The internet plays a vital role for many to accomplish their personal and professional responsibilities. However, with lack of funds and infrastructure, Filipinos still suffer from unreliable internet connection and poor customer service. Until a new telecom enters the country and the government’s initiatives push through, our progress in internet connectivity is buffering.
At an average mobile internet and fixed broadband speed of 18.49 MBps and 28.69 MBps, respectively, the Philippines ranks 110th for mobile internet speed, and 103rd for fixed broadband speed in 2020 according to the network testing application, Speedtest Global Index. Not even reaching the global average of 45.69 MBps, and being the second slowest internet speed among ASEAN countries, the country is still far behind on internet speed and stability.
Slow responses for ISPs
Even before the implementation of the community quarantine, internet connectivity problems were already present.
ComClark, an internet service provider (ISP) under Converge ICT, holds the fastest download speed among Philippine ISPs at 22.54 Mbps. Despite the high prices offered, the services of most ISP providers do not meet their clients’ satisfaction. Recently, a local ISP proved the unfair treatment to customers as they immediately responded to local actress Liza Soberano’s complaint on her internet connection through Twitter, while most people waited for months to return their calls.
Consular and Diplomatic Affairs sophomore Rachelle Anne Tonelada shared with The Benildean her experience on communicating with their ISP as there was no improvement in their internet speed despite buying a plan that provides up to 23 Mbps.
“I am satisfied with [our ISP’s] service kahit what they’re doing is the bare minimum. At the same time, hassle [silang] ma-reach out to fix ‘yung internet connection kasi you really have to bug them like almost every hour just to be convinced na ‘yung [concern] mo is an urgent matter,” she added.
Multimedia Arts student Ivyann Agsunod said her internet connection would be unstable for a few days since she lives in Batanes wherein it is prone to typhoons. “I struggle the most [in] downloading large files needed for self-studying, or when we’re required to watch videos. The slow internet also stops me from being able to watch our synchronous session recordings,” she expressed.
Like some Benildeans who are persevering to keep up with online learning, most Filipino students, especially those living in remote areas, go to great lengths to find a signal to comply with their deadlines.
An attempt for progress
Despite having improvements for the past years, the country still lacks Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructures.
Vice Chancellor for Digital Technology Mr. Jose Albert Llamas shared with The Benildean that one of the problems on the country’s internet connectivity was that “existing [broadband infrastructure] are not strategically positioned as the telecommunication companies would prefer them to be located”.
Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) implemented the National Broadband Program (NBP) which aims to improve and add ICT infrastructures. With a ₱5.9 billion budget, DICT chief Gregorio Honasan II spearheaded the state-owned fiber-optic network NBP that would yield internet accessibility, speed, and affordability for Filipinos.
According to Mr. Llamas, there should be more telecommunications infrastructure “including cell sites” to “allow internet signals to be transmitted and repeated across islands. The ratio of bandwidth allocation per end-user in the country must also be improved, because it is way far behind in comparison to our [Southeast Asia] neighbors.”
The market has been dominated by the duopoly, PLDT and Globe, which at times, do not provide their promised internet and reliable customer service, putting to question the fairness of their internet plans’ prices. Competition between local ISPs will be intensified this 2021 as emerging ISP rivals contend to snatch the duopoly ascendancy. Converge ICT Solutions’ successful initial public offering and rapid upgrade of ICT infrastructures threatens the market.
In addition, President Rodrigo Duterte allowed China-based competitor, DITO Telecommunity, in the country. They already passed their first performance audit and registered an average broadband speed of 507.5 Mbps and 85.9 Mbps for 5G and 4G respectively.
However, the Congress’ approval for the renewal of the DITO Telecommunity for the next 25 years raises possible risks in cybersecurity and privacy measures since DITO is partnered with China Telecom, a company banned by other countries for cybersecurity reasons.
“The major concern is information security, most especially if this is politically motivated over business interest. There are not enough good technical professionals in the government today [which is] quite unfortunate. Our quickest way to grow and advance needs partnership with more technologically advanced countries,” Mr. Llamas said.
“However, political will and transparency are key success factors that we presently struggle with in the country,” he emphasized.
Improving the internet performance and quality must be one of the priorities of the government as it is a necessity to continue businesses and education during the pandemic. However, this progress to internet connectivity must never be at the expense of our safety.
This article is also published in The Benildean Volume 7 Issue no.1: Confined
