The “Konektadong Pinoy”, also known as Open Access in Data Transmission Bill or Senate Bill No. 2699 is currently under deliberation in the Senate. Championed by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the SB 2699 is considered a landmark legislation as it pushes for simplified licensing, more efficient spectrum management, and infrastructure sharing, which are envisioned to result in more accessible and affordable Internet.
Since the 17th Congress, there has been enormous support for the bill from civil society and smaller ISP players who are advocating for a more equitable distribution of spectrum for data transmission.
As with any legislation that hopes to introduce significant change in the current policy environment, the SB 2699 is expectedly encountering contention, especially in the aspect of security and diminishing the regulatory responsibilities of the National Telecommunications Commission.
The contention arises from the concept of “open”, but what does “open” truly mean in the context of the Konektadong Pinoy bill and the frequency “spaces” that it hopes to create?
“Open” means less barriers, more transparency, and opening opportunities.
Less barriers for those who wish to enter the data transmission industry will invite investment and promote competition. It can also mean less hurdles to introducing innovation, emerging technologies, and standards. Open also means promoting ease of doing business.
More transparency in assigning radio spectrum and managing this scarce public resource that enables wireless connectivity.
Opening opportunities for ISPs to connect communities wherever they are in the Philippines.
Being open is about allowing more participants to be licensed to provide connectivity. It does not mean “free for all.”
Open means updating regulation so that it becomes more responsive to the needs of society. It does not mean diminished regulation.
Introducing open access promotes interoperability – technical, data and information, and business processes. These are the keys to digitally transform the government and organizations.
Will openness compromise national security and invite more cyber attacks? Not if there are cybersecurity safeguards in place. These include complying with internationally accepted standards and protocols, implementing measures to mitigate risks, and developing a workforce skilled in cybersecurity.
Regardless of who owns and operates networks, Telcos and ISPs must protect everyone’s data, especially personally identifiable information, and those concerning national security.
Laws and regulations need to adapt and evolve with the changing times, especially now that we are in a digitally connected world. The Konektadong Pinoy bill is a grassroots campaign involving different civil society groups and Internet advocates who are pushing for an equal playing field leading to digital inclusion for nation-building.
