The urgency for broadband infra upgrades – Manila Standard
The need to expand and upgrade broadband infrastructure in the Philippines has become increasingly critical, with the country lagging behind its regional peers in terms of internet speed and connectivity.
Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index for May 2024 reveals that the Philippines ranks 83rd in mobile internet speed and 56th in fixed broadband speed. These rankings underscore the significant gap the Philippines needs to bridge to compete effectively in the global digital economy and drive overall economic and social development.
One of the key reasons for this gap is the disparity in broadband infrastructure investment between the Philippines and other Asian countries. While neighboring nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore have invested billions in digital infrastructure, the Philippines has allocated significantly less funding for its National Broadband Plan.
Although the private sector has shown a willingness to invest in digital infrastructure, these efforts alone are not enough to close the broadband gap entirely. A coordinated approach between the government and private sector is essential to enhancing the country’s digital capabilities and ensuring broadband connectivity that meets global standards.
To address this urgent need for broadband infrastructure upgrades, the Philippine government should consider several key policy actions:
– Increase investment in broadband infrastructure to match or exceed neighboring countries
– Strengthen collaboration between the government and the private sector
– Implement regulatory reforms to encourage innovation in digital technologies
– Invest in education and training programs to develop a skilled workforce for the digital economy
By aligning government resources with private sector investments, the Philippines can bridge the connectivity gap and empower its people and industries to thrive in the global digital economy. Fast broadband connectivity is crucial for driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enabling the country to compete on a global scale.
