Konektadong Pinoy Act: Bridging the digital divide for every Filipino

In a nation of over 7,000 islands, where progress is often hampered by geography, the newly enacted Konektadong Pinoy Act offers a much-needed leap toward digital inclusion. Lapsing into law on Aug. 23, 2025, the measure—also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act—is a landmark reform that promises to transform how Filipinos connect, learn, do business, and participate in governance. It is not just about faster internet—it is about empowering an entire nation.

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For decades, the Philippines has grappled with one of the slowest and most expensive internet services in Southeast Asia. Despite the government's Free WiFi for All initiative and the establishment of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), connectivity has remained uneven, especially in far-flung and underserved areas.

The Konektadong Pinoy Act removes the outdated requirement for data transmission providers to secure a congressional franchise—long seen as a major barrier to entry for new players. This single provision alone opens the door for small and community-based Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to compete with larger telcos. Infrastructure sharing and streamlined permitting processes, both key features of the law, are expected to further drive down costs, accelerate service rollouts, and encourage innovation in the sector.