The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said it will support the passage of bills in the 19th Congress that will improve internet connectivity in the country.

In a statement Monday, PCCI said legislations that will push for better internet services include the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, Rural Wired Development Act, Satellite Liberalization Act, and Spectrum Management Act.

PCCI has partnered with Better Internet PH to advocate the Philippine Internet Agenda in the next administration.

The Philippine Internet Agenda aims to improve access to the internet, make internet services reliable and affordable, and have a secured digital infrastructure.

“We have been lagging behind our Asean neighbors for the longest time in terms of better internet and we should prioritize legislation that will improve our overall connectivity,” PCCI president George Barcelon said.

He added that improving digital connectivity in the country will attract more foreign direct investments and will create an impact on government, economy, tourism, and education among other sectors.

Better Internet PH Lead ICT Policy Analyst Grace Mirandilla-Santos also bats for reviewing the need for a congressional franchise for prospective internet service providers (ISPs), adding that the Philippines is the lone country in the world that requires a franchise for this service.

“We want to update policies to make it easier for ISPs to build digital infrastructure. Technology will overtake regulation, therefore our policies should be future-proof,” Mirandilla-Santos said. (PNA)