PLDT Inc. (PLDT)’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) hails the passage of a House Bill that aims to provide cheaper and more accessible internet in the country by removing the spectrum user fee (SUF) on wifi.
House Bill No. 10699, also known as the “Sana All May Internet Act”, seeks to establish a policy that “reduces to zero” the spectrum user fee (SUF) paid by telecommunications companies, aiding the widespread rollout of Wi-Fi and telco infrastructure nationwide, and eventually lowering the cost of telco services.
The SUF refers to the fee imposed by the government regulator for the use of a particular frequency.
“We welcome opportunities to work hand-in-hand with Government in crafting policies and legislation that contribute to bridging the digital divide and making the benefits of the internet more accessible to Filipinos, such as the ‘Sana All May Internet Act’, which was recently approved by the House of Representatives on the third and final reading,” said Atty Roy D. Ibay, VP and Head of Regulatory at Smart.
House Bill No. 10699 also aims to promote the acceleration of internet use in the country and the expansion of Wi-Fi technology and infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas so the poor and underprivileged will have access to reliable, accessible, and affordable connectivity.
“We join the House in advocating for the adoption of a zero SUF policy, which is also in accordance with international best practices,” said Ibay, adding: “It is hoped that the Senate will follow through and pass this measure immediately as such a policy will enable telcos to allocate resources toward enhancing their network and elevating broader internet access instead.”
Smart’s support for House Bill No. 10699 is aligned with the PLDT Group’s support for the Government’s overall digitalization mission to expand reliable internet access nationwide, including to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) across the Philippines.
As members of the Private Sector Advisory Council Digital Infrastructure pillar, PLDT and Smart recently reiterated their commitment to collaborate with other industry stakeholders and government agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology to improve digital access to GIDAs, and empower Filipinos through education and economic development.
