The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) expects an improved state of Internet connectivity in the coming months with the strengthened implementation of government connectivity programs and roll-out of telecommunications players.

“Digital infrastructure and connectivity are central to the ability of our country to move forward, address social changes, and meet the challenges of the future. With the private sector investing in digital infrastructure to upgrade the competitiveness of the Philippines, we hope to attract more opportunities, create more jobs, and generally improve the lives of our countrymen,” DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said. 

“The DICT is continuously coordinating with the NTC in monitoring the roll-out plans of all telco players following the directives of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for telcos to improve their services amid the new normal,” he added. 

With DITO Telecommunity’s commercial rollout, Honasan said the Philippines can expect another helpful pair of hands for nation-building. 

“With the new player entering the field, we are determined to prove that we are leaders who deliver on their commitments, and we are confident that the Filipino people can sooner expect sustainable improvements in connectivity services moving forward,”  Honasan said.

According to Ookla’s January 2021 report, the Philippines moved up to the 86th spot in the global mobile internet speed rankings, a significant improvement from its 111th rank in the same period last 2020.

Likewise, the Ookla January 2021 results showed a 4.10 percent increase in speed from 31.44 Mbps (fixed broadband), and 14.53 percent from 22.50 Mbps (mobile).

“While recent data shows that the nation continues to improve its Internet speeds, it is only one factor in the national ICT agenda. We want to also pose the challenge of improving coverage, especially in rural and remote areas. We want to make connectivity as inclusive and far-reaching as possible—to ensure that many reap the benefits of the digital economy, and not just the chosen few,”  Honasan said. 

“To do this, we are also ramping up of national connectivity efforts, including the National Broadband Program, Free Wi-Fi for All Program and Common Tower Initiative,” he added.