MANILA — A lawmaker has welcomed the enactment of the “Konektadong Pinoy” law, calling it a major step toward addressing the country’s digital divide caused by poor connectivity, high costs, and lack of infrastructure in far-flung and underserved areas.

By easing the entry of new players into the data transmission and internet service industry, Senate President Chiz Escudero expressed confidence that connectivity costs will decrease significantly. “There will be greater competition and more choices for consumers,” he said, noting that the measure is one of the administration’s priority bills.

“The Philippines has one of the highest internet connectivity costs in the world considering the speeds it offers to consumers. But more than bringing down the rates, the Konektadong Pinoy Act is about providing greater access to information and markets to Filipinos who live far from the cities and in remote areas,” he said.

Escudero highlighted the benefits for the education sector, where access to fast and affordable internet is critical.

“Mahal na, mabagal pa at hindi reliable,” he said, referring to the current state of internet service in the country. “At ang pinakamasaklap, ang mga lugar sa Pilipinas na matagal nang nagmamakaawa na magkaroon ng internet ay hindi pa din natutugunan hanggang ngayon. It is about time that we empower Filipinos through greater access to information and connectivity.”

The law has been supported by almost all sectors, including businesses both large and small, local and foreign. It is intended to help achieve the Marcos administration’s digitalization goals.

Under the measure, smaller players can enter the market without needing legislative franchises and can tap into existing infrastructures through the law’s infrastructure-sharing provision.

“We will see a faster rollout of long overdue internet connectivity services in every town and barrio in the Philippines, and hopefully our industry giants will support the implementation of the law and work with government as partners of growth and digital inclusivity for all Filipinos,” Escudero said.