Political Will Is Key To Internet Speed Upgrade

At his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 2020, President Duterte issued an ultimatum to the country’s two leading telecommunication firms (telcos) — Globe and PLDT-Smart — to improve their services by December or close shop.

- 

This warning was not to be taken lightly, especially after broadcasting giant ABS-CBN Corporation was shuttered in May 2020 as Congress refused to issue a new franchise for its continued operations.

The two giant telcos promised to improve their services while pointing out that excessive regulation by local government units slowed down the erection of much needed cell site towers in key locations.

There was widespread apprehension that this sorry state of affairs would make it difficult for the country to deal with the pandemic, which is still wreaking havoc on public health, the economy, and the Filipinos’ overall well being.