'P240 B needed to enhance internet infra, penetration'

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) is asking the government to set aside at least P240 billion to improve internet infrastructure and raise digital penetration across the archipelago.

- ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

In a recent meeting with President Marcos, PSAC submitted a proposal to invest nearly a quarter of a trillion in building connectivity assets around the Philippines.

PSAC warned the government that it may fail to hit its target of increasing internet penetration to 65 percent, from 33 percent, if underspending on digital infrastructure persists.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has received just P7.6 billion in funding since 2018 for the procurement of internet infrastructure. When compared, the amount lags behind the P264.6 billion that Globe Telecom Inc. allocated for capital expenditures between 2021 and 2023.