NTC: Gov't, private sector partnership will improve Internet speed

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Thursday suggested that a joint effort between the government and the private sector will help improve Internet speed in the country.

In an interview with ANC's Headstart, NTC Director Edgardo Cabarios said that the government should enter into a partnership with the private sector in developing infrastructure for a national broadband network.

Cabarios noted that it is very expensive to lay down a network for the whole country.

Meanwhile, Democracy.net co-convenor Francis Acero said that a national broadband system would be the fastest way to improve Internet speed.

Acero noted that two major telecommunications companies currently take control of the country's Internet.

"I think actually with the Philippine Competition Act coming out, it opens up the field for everyone else," Acero said.

More "players" in the market would make Internet speeds better, said Acero.

"That's the fastest way to actually make it better but for that to happen, you need to break up the [telecommunications] industry vertically," Acero explained.

He added that the government should recognize the need to prioritize a national broadband system.

"The government has to be aware that national broadband is a priority, get the policy straight. To get that straight they need something that shows that 'Hey, you have to pay attention to this,'" he said.

Acero cited Sen. Ralph Recto's Senate Bill 2686 which seeks to create a Department of Information and Communications Technology as one of these policies.

Sen. Bam Aquino earlier called the attention of the NTC for its failure to fulfill its commitment to issue a memorandum on the quality of internet standards.