DOTC set to launch ‘telecenters’ in 255 towns

President Arroyo is set to authorize the setting up of "telecenters" in 255 of the country’s 1,520 towns that still have no access to modern communications.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez said yesterday each telecenter will have a telephone line, a personal computer, a scanner, a printer or copier, and a modem for Internet connection.

"We have not completely ruled out the plan to set up telephone facilities in every barangay but at this time, we are focusing on the municipal level," he said.

Alvarez said Mrs. Arroyo needs to issue an executive order allowing the installation of telecenters because Republic Act 6849, the Municipal Telephone Act of 1989, is no longer in effect.

Under the program, the transportation and communications department will lease out to private investors the existing public calling offices of the Telecommunications Office so these could be upgraded into telecenters, he added.

Alvarez said the private sectors will operate the telecenters with little or no government intervention and that small companies will be encouraged to take part in the nationwide project.

"The DOTC will provide investors all the necessary assistance to enable them to run the telecenters effectively, including facilitation of loan applications for the needed capital and issuance of policy guidelines to expedite grant of radio frequencies," he said.

Government financial institutions like the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines will finance the program at concessional interest rates, Alvarez added.