Free Internet

Sen. Bam: Gov’t, private sector no more excuses for poor Internet quality

With the imminent passage of the Free Internet in Public Places Act, the implementation of the Philippine Competition Act and the proposed National Broadband Plan (NBP), the government and the private sector will have the necessary platform to improve the country’s internet quality and access.

“We’re breaking down barriers to improving the Internet through our policies. Now, the ball is in the executive and private sector’s court,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology. He also pushed the measure in the Senate as principal sponsor and co-author.

 “Our hearings have exposed the lack of infrastructure that we have. So we’re reducing red tape for the private sector and we’re also allotting the necessary budget para ang gobyerno mismo ang mamuhunan sa internet infrastructure sa ibang lugar,” said Sen. Bam.

 The senator said the challenge of implementation now falls on the shoulders of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the private sector.

“The DICT needs two-and-a-half years for the NBP while the sector needs to be opened up to new players to strengthen competition in the market,” said Sen. Bam.

The final version of the Free Internet in Public Places Act has been approved by the bicameral conference committee. After the final version is ratified by both houses of Congress, it will be transmitted to Malacanang for President Duterte’ signature.

 Sen. Bam also believes that the Republic Act 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act will encourage the entry of more players in the telecommunications industry, leading to improved Internet service at affordable prices.

“The Philippine Competition Act will usher in such competition for the benefit of Filipino consumers for the long term,” said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor and co-author of Republic Act 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act

 If finished quickly, the NBP can hasten the rollout of the implementation of the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act. It will be put up starting 2018 and expected to be fully operational by 2020.

Sen. Bam lauds House for passing measure on free internet in public spaces

Sen. Bam Aquino lauded the House of Representatives for passing on third and final reading a measure that will establish free internet connection in public spaces.

“Ngayong nakalusot na sa Kamara ang panukala, inaasahan natin na ito’y maisasabatas sa lalong madaling panahon upang mapakinabangan na ng ating mga kababayan,” said Sen. Bam, referring to House Bill No. 5225 or the “Free Public Wi-Fi Act”.

 “As an enabler for education and for business, we should explore all efforts to improve the internet infrastructure and provide Filipinos with fast, reliable internet connections,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1277 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act as principal sponsor and co-author. It was approved by the Senate on third and final reading via 18-0 vote.

 Sen. Bam’s fellow Tarlaqueno — Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Victor Yap – sponsored the measure as chairman of the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology.

The authors of the measure in the House include Reps. Gus Tambunting, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Bernadette Herrera-Dy, Geraldine Roman, Sarah Jane Elago, Vilma Santos-Recto, Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Jr., Ann Hofer;

Henry Ong, Rose Marie Arenas, Aniceto Bertiz III, Jose Enrique Garcia III, Francis Gerald Abaya, Micaela Violago, Enrico Pineda, Maria Cristina Roa-Puno, Dakila Carlo Cua and Mariano Michael Velarde Jr.

 The measure aims to provide internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals and public libraries.

Under the measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be mandated to craft a plan and a timeline for the rollout of this program.

 The measure also authorizes the DICT to cut red tape and streamline the process for the application of permits and certificates for the construction of infrastructure and installation of necessary equipment, in coordination with national government agencies and local government units.

 Meanwhile, Sen. Bam announced that his committee is scheduled to resume hearing on the national broadband plan next week.

Bam: Measure on free internet in public spaces hurdles Senate

The Senate has approved on third and final reading a measure that will establish free internet in public places and help fast-track the processing of permits for needed infrastructure and equipment to boost connectivity.
 
Via 18-0 vote, the Senate passed Senate Bill No. 1277 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, which aims to provide internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals and public libraries.
 
“Access to the Internet is also access to more opportunities when it comes to livelihood, education and business. We want quality internet to be available to every Filipino,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, who sponsored and co-authored the measure as chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology.
 
Under the measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be mandated to craft a plan and a timeline for the rollout of this program.
 
The measure also authorizes the DICT to cut red tape and streamline the process for the application of permits and certificates for the construction of infrastructure and installation of necessary equipment, in coordination with national government agencies and local government units.
 
In previous committee hearings, Sen. Bam said telecommunications providers have lamented the tedious and slow process in getting the needed permits and certificates for their infrastructure and equipment.
 
“Matapos maisumite ang kumpletong requirements, may pitong araw lang ang isang ahensiya o tanggapan na ilabas ang resulta ng aplikasyon. Kapag sila’y nabigo, maituturing nang aprub ang aplikasyon,” said Sen. Bam.
 
Aside from Sen. Bam, other authors of the measure are Sens. Francis Pangilinan, Manny Pacquiao, Ralph Recto, Joel Villanueva and Cynthia Villar. Co-sponsors were Sens. Grace Poe, Recto and Pangilinan.

Bam pushes for greater internet access and free internet in public places

A measure providing free internet connectivity in public places and improving internet access across the Philippines is now closer to becoming a law, according to its main proponent, Sen. Bam Aquino.

 Sen. Bam said Senate Bill No. 1277 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act passed the committee level and is slated for plenary deliberations.

 According to Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committees on Education and Science and Technology, free internet access will be provided in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals and public libraries.

 “It is imperative that we institutionalize this very important platform – to improve access to quality Internet in the Philippines especially when only 52.6% of Filipinos have Internet access,” said Sen. Bam.

 Under the measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be mandated to craft a plan and a timeline for the rollout of this program.

 “The DICT will also take the lead in coordinating with local government units to ensure the on-ground implementation of the program,” said Sen. Bam in his sponsorship speech.

 The measure will also authorize the DICT to streamline the process for the application of permits and certificates for the construction of infrastructure and installation of equipment necessary, in coordination with national government agencies and local government units.

 “Now is the time to invest completely in developing internet quality and bringing this powerful tool to every port, every station, every park, every museum, and every classroom in the Philippines,” Sen. Bam stressed.

 As chairman of the Committee on Education, Sen. Bam has filed Senate Bill No. 1050 seeking to connect all public educational institutions to the internet to help students enhance their personal and academic development.

 In a previous hearing, it was discovered that only 26 percent of public schools in the country have Internet access, which is detrimental to the progress of education.

Sponsorship Speech: An Act Establishing Free Internet Access in Public Places Act

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV
17th Congress, Senate of the Philippines
Sponsorship Speech, December 14, 2016

Good afternoon, Mr. President and esteemed colleagues! Mga kaibigan at mga kababayan, magandang hapon sa ating lahat.

 Today, it is an honor to address you, Mr. President and distinguished colleagues, to sponsor an audacious policy that will enable us to leapfrog Internet access in the Philippines.

 I stand before you to sponsor Senate Bill No. 1277 in substitution of S.B. Nos. 58, 190, 816, and 1050, entitled “An Act Establishing The Free Internet Access Program In Public Spaces In The Country And Appropriating Funds Thereof, otherwise known as “Free Internet Access in Public Places Act” which seeks to install free internet access points in public places all throughout the country.

—

 Friends, meet Jose.

Jose wishes to escape the city and travel the entire Philippines to discover with his own eyes the wonders of our country.

Jose will not let work stop him. He can work remotely and send his reports via email.

Jose won’t even let his girlfriend stop him. They can always message one another and even go on video-call dates while he is away.

 All Jose is waiting for is for, Mr. President, is for Internet in the Philippines to be available in every island, mountain, and valley.

—

Mr. President, napaka importante ng internet sa buhay natin.

Para kay Jose, ito’y importante para makapaglibot sa Pilipinas, mag-post ng mga selfie sa Mayon, magtrabaho mula sa kubo, at makipag-online date sa gitna ng mangrove sa Palawan.

 Para sa iba nating kababayan, ito’y mahalaga para makausap at humingi ng payo mula sa amang nagtatrabaho sa Saudi.

Para sa mga call center agent, ang internet ang nag-uugnay sa kanila at kanilang mga kausap abroad.

Para sa mga freelancers, ito’y kailangan para makausap ng maayos ang kliente at mapadala ang hinihinging trabaho.

 Para sa mga negosyanteng Pinoy, ito’y nagagamit sa pagbebenta ng gamit o paghahanap ng mga bagong supply.

Para sa maraming unemployed, ito’y importante para makapag-apply sa mas maraming trabaho online.

Para sa mga guro at mag-aaral, ang internet ang pinanggagalingan ng research, ng learning materials, at modules.

And yet, Mr. President, only about 52.6% of Filipinos have access to Internet services (ITU).

Compared to our neighbors, we are clearly lagging behind in Internet access. The same study shows that 81.3% of Singaporeans, 68% of Malaysians and 60.1% of Thais can access the Internet.

For this reason, Mr. President and distinguished colleagues, it is imperative that we institutionalize this very important platform – to improve access to quality Internet in the Philippines and provide free internet connectivity in public spaces.

The Free Internet Access in Public Places Act mandates the establishment of the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and end-user platform needed to give all Filipinos free internet access in public spaces. 

Under this act, all national and local government offices, public schools – from elementary to tertiary – public transport terminals, public hospitals, and public libraries will have free internet access. 

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall be charged with developing a plan and a timeline for the rollout of this program. They shall also take the lead in coordinating with local government units to ensure the on-ground implementation of the program. 

Most importantly, the DICT shall be authorized to streamline the process for the application of permits and certificates for the construction of infrastructure and installation of equipment necessary – a major hurdle faced by companies seeking to build internet infrastructure. 

To address this, national government agencies and local government units will also have the responsibility of coordinating with the DICT and DILG to fast-track these permits and certificates necessary for the program’s roll-out. 

They shall also be in charge of maintaining and safeguarding the program and its equipment with a designated on-site coordinator. 

 Offering Filipinos free high-quality internet access in public places is going to revolutionize the way that we go about our day and open our minds to boundless possibilities for how we can make our lives, our families, and our communities better.

 Mr. President, noong ako’y napuntang Bacolod, bumisita po ako sa Alegria Elementary School kung saan nakilala ko si Baryeth. Siya’y Grade 6 student na miyembro rin ng student council.

 Ang request po niya sakin: sana mayroon na silang internet connection sa paaralan para magawa nila ng mabilis at maayos ang kanilang mga school project.

Mr. President, 26% lang ng ating mga public schools ang may access sa internet at karamihan pa sa mga paaralang mayroong internet ay nagtiyatiyaga sa mga USB dongle.

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, now is the time to invest completely in developing internet quality and bringing this powerful tool to every port, every station, every park, every museum, and every classroom in the Philippines.

 Imagine tourist sites with free Internet access, where travelers from here and abroad can read up on historical sites and post beautiful photos of our country on social media.

Imagine museums with free WIFI and downloadable applications so visitors can learn more about our arts and culture.

Imagine strolling through a public park and connecting to free Internet so you don’t have to worry about whether you’re missing out on important emails.

 Imagine getting last-minute work done at an airport or seaport while waiting to go on your next adventure.

 And imagine hundreds of state universities and thousands of public schools with access to world-class learning materials and educational videos, making the most out of the World Wide Web to enhance learning.

Kung hindi po ngayon, kailan pa? Ang internet ay maaaring maging susi sa pag-unlad ng bawat Pilipino – at susi sa pagtupad ng Philippine travel dreams ni Jose.

 Let’s pass the Free Internet in Public Places Act and arm Filipinos with the power of connectivity, the power of information, and the power of education!

BIDA KA!: Libreng Internet

Mga bida, marami tayong­ natuklasan sa pagdinig ng ­Committee on Science and ­Technology at ­Committee on Education noong naka­raang linggo.

Sa mga nasabing hearing, tina­lakay natin ang ilang panukalang batas ukol sa paglalagay ng libreng wi-fi sa mga pampublikong lugar at sa ating pampublikong paaralan,­ kasama na ang state colleges at ­universities.

Nagsumite ako ng panukala­ na maglagay ng libreng Internet c­onnection, kasama na ang wi-fi, sa l­ahat ng pampublikong paaralan sa paniniwalang kaila­ngan ito ng mga estudyante sa kanilang pag-aaral at kailangan din ng mga guro para updated at epektibo ang kanilang materya­les­ sa pagturo.

Subalit nasorpresa at nabahala ako nang malaman mula sa mga opisyal ng Department of Education (DepEd) na 26 porsiyento lang ng mga pampublikong paaralan sa buong bansa ang may Internet connection.

***

Paliwanag ng DepEd, mayroong sapat na pondo ang ahensiya para sa nasabing proyekto subalit ang problema, walang sapat na imprastruktura upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga paaralan.

Ayon sa DepEd, may mga lugar na mahina ang signal ng telcos kaya mabagal din ang Internet connection, bagay na iniiwasan ng ahensiya upang hindi masayang ang ibinabayad nito.

Marami ring lugar sa bansa ang walang Internet connection dahil kulang ang imprastruktura ng telcos, lalo na sa mga liblib na paaralan.

Sa parte naman ng bagong tatag na Department of ­Information and Communications Technology (DICT), plano nilang maglagay ng libreng wi-fi sa mahigit 12,000 lugar sa buong bansa bago mag-Nobyembre 2017.

Ang problema, hindi pa sila nangangalahati dahil din sa kakulangan ng imprastruktura ng telcos.

Nang tanungin ang telcos, isinisi nila ang kakulangan sa imprastruktura sa bagal at higpit ng pagkuha ng permit sa ­local government units (LGUs) kung saan nila ilalagay ang kailangang kagamitan para mapabilis ang serbisyo.

Reklamo ng telcos, nakakasa na ang kanilang planong maglagay ng dagdag na cell sites at iba pang imprastruktura na magpapaganda ng serbisyo ng Internet.

Ngunit hindi umano sila makausad dahil sa bagal ng ­proseso ng pagkuha ng permit. Madalas, hindi bababa sa 25 permit ang kailangan para lang makapaglagay ng cell site.

Binanggit pa ng isang telco na nakalinya na ang paglalagay ng dagdag na 1,000 cell sites sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa­ ngunit sa bagal ng proseso, nasa 500 pa lang ang kanilang naipupuwesto.

Isa pang problema ang mahal at paiba-ibang halaga ng bayad na sinisingil ng LGU sa bawat cell site na kanilang ­inilalagay.

***

Upang masolusyunan ang problema, plano nating isama­ sa pagbalangkas ng batas ang pagpapabilis ng proseso sa ­pagkuha ng permit mula sa LGUs.

Sa paraang ito, mas madali na ang paglalagay ng cell sites at iba pang equipment ng telcos para mapaganda ang Internet connection sa bansa.

Nabanggit din ng DICT na plano ng admi­nistrasyong Duterte na maglabas ng Executive Order na mag-aatas sa LGUs na madaliin ang pagpoproseso ng permits ng telcos.

Inatasan na rin natin ang DepEd, mga telco at iba pang kaukulang ahensiya na magbalangkas ng plano para maisama ang public schools at state colleges at universities sa paglalatag ng libreng wi-fi project ng pamahalaan sa susunod na dalawang taon.

***

Mga bida, ­isinusulong ko na mabigyan ng ma­gandang Internet connection ang ating mga pampublikong paaralan dahil kumbinsido ako na makatutulong ito sa lalo pang paglago ng kaala­man ng mga batang ­Pilipino.

Malaking bagay ang Internet sa kanilang research dahil makaka­kuha sila rito ng mga materyales na puno ng kaalaman at mga ­video na makatutulong sa kanilang pag-aaral.

Mapupunuan nito ang kakulangan sa libro at iba pang materyales na kailangan sa pagpapalago ng kanilang kaalaman.

Kapag may sapat na kaalaman ang ating mga estudyante sa public schools, hindi sila magpapahuli at kaya nilang makipagsabayan sa mga mag-aaral ng pribadong paaralan.

Ito rin ang magbibi­gay sa ating mga estu­dyante ng sapat na kakayahan upang makipag­tagisan para sa trabaho na magbibigay sa kanila ng magandang kinabukasan.

***

Mga Bida, maki­pagkuwentuhan kay Sen. Bam sa fb.com/BenignoBamAquino o sa e-mail bidakacolumn@gmail.com!

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