PLDT Inc., through its wireless unit Smart Communications, has expressed support for a measure aimed at lowering internet costs and improving accessibility.
House Bill 10699, also known as the Sana All May Internet Act, proposes to eliminate the spectrum user fee (SUF) imposed on telecommunications firms.
This move is expected to facilitate the nationwide expansion of Wi-Fi and telco infrastructure, ultimately leading to more affordable internet services.
The SUF is 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,” Smart Vice President Roy Ibay said.
HB 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.
“We join the House in advocating for the adoption of a zero SUF policy, which is also in accordance with international best practices,” Ibay said.
“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,” he added.
Smart’s support for HB 10699 was said to be aligned with the PLDT Group’s support for the government’s aim to expand reliable internet access nationwide.
Shares of PLDT rose by P18 to close at P1,540 each on Thursday.
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