Telco licensing needs to be reformed - study

The government has to revamp the licensing system for connectivity providers as an initial step to bringing down the cost of internet as well as improving accessibility and reliability, according to a study.

- ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

A research paper for the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) recommended that the government reform the licensing regime for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry.

The study said one of the reasons the Philippines is lagging behind in Southeast Asia in terms of ICT "The licensing regime is restrictive and burdensome, resulting in costs and delays in the network buildup and the deployment of new technology. The types of licenses issued should be reviewed to liberalize market entry further," the study read.

To manage middle mile infrastructure in the Philippines, companies are required to ask Congress for a legislative franchise.