The Philippines ranked 86th on the mobile internet speed ranking released by Ookla in January 2021. Last February, the country ranked 92nd in fixed broadband speed. Obviously, the internet speed in the country is the slowest in Asia and yet, users pay almost the same internet service cost in Singapore.
The internet has become more crucial due to the transition to online classes and Work-From-Home setup. It has become a basic necessity to overcome economic challenges due to the pandemic.
Last year, Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon introduced the House Bill No. 38 or the “Faster Internet Services Act (FISA)” to address slow internet services in the country.
The bill mandates the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to require Internet Service Providers (ISP) to provide a minimum internet speed of 10mbps. This includes all broadband access such as mobile phones, wired internet, and wireless internet.
Provisions of the proposed bill include:
• Subscribers should receive at least 10mbps in highly urbanized areas, 5mbps in other cities, and 2mbps in rural areas.
• Marketing strategies that use the term “up to” is no longer allowed. ISPs are expected to deliver at least 80% of their advertisements.
• Provide a refund to subscribers for services that the ISP was not able to render such as loss of internet connection for a number of days.
• ISPs should address and investigate complaints within seven days upon receipt of complaint.
Moreover, ISPs may pay up to PHP 2 million for every count of violation under the proposed bill.
