DICT vows ‘enabling environment’ for foreign satellite internet providers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) promises to foster an enabling environment that will encourage satellite systems providers or operators (SSPOs) to offer satellite-based internet access to Filipino telecommunications and connectivity consumers.

DICT acting Secretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic said that the agency will continue to formulate policies leading to a regulatory framework that will encourage the SSPOs to set up shop in the country.

“We will foster an enabling environment for our SSPOs and support them with policies that will safeguard them so they can help in accelerating our digital transformation initiatives,” Caintic said when he officiated a public consultation with SSPOs last May 26 at the Manila Polo Club in Makati.

Caintic urged the SSPOs to intensify their efforts to enter the country and be part of the digital transformation being pushed forward by the DICT.

The DICT’s efforts in line with their push in this initiative are laid down by DICT Department Circular No. 001 this year that rationalizes, streamlines and liberalizes the registration, regulation and monitoring of qualified SSPOs. This aims to fast-track the startup efforts of the SSPOs.