Multi-stakeholder coord is being pushed for "dig once policy" for digital infra roll-out

 MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY –- A multi-stakeholder coordination among the ICT players, government and utility companies is being pushed for “dig once policy” for telecommunications and digital infrastructure roll-out in a forum ‘Improving Broadband Internet Connectivity in Cities and LGUs’ organized by the US Agency for International Development -Better Access to Connectivity (USAID-BEACON) on September 28 this year.

Converge Chief Operations Officer (COO) Jesus Romero supported this ‘joint use’ mechanism where the government can install underground pipes for telecommunication cables whenever there is public works construction, especially for new road laying projects.

“This can be done in expressways linking parts of the metro together. Submarine cables are expensive. We could do with a lot more diversity and connectivity. This joint use of infrastructure will go a long way,” Romero said in a forum held recently.

Romero further said that the cost of installation of the conduits can be shared by the Telcos or ISPs, such an option will mean cost savings for the ICT providers and ensure there won’t be multiple trench-diggings.

The forum pursued the “dig once policy” to be in place translating lower capital costs for the internet service provider which in turn widen access to the broadband infrastructure, especially to rural communities.  

In pursuing this policy, cooperation among the national government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units (LGUs), and private sector operators is critical as the digital infrastructure deployment has to be aligned with public works plans.

“Our backbone nationwide, most of it is underground, but there are still places where we have aerial cables because of the old design of the houses. We should encourage regulators and lawmakers to come up with directions to push for underground cabling because we are a typhoon-ravaged country,” Converge CEO and Co-Founder, Dennis Anthony Uy added in a separate interview. 

Uy said that another policy, “Common Pole Policy” can also be considered in infrastructure sharing especially where underground cables are not feasible. This can further reduce the cost of network deployment.   This entails the shared use of open, neutral, and affordable facilities among telecom companies that includes utility poles.

The USAID-BEACON project aims to promote economic growth through better information and communications technology (ICT) and help bridge the digital divide in the Philippines. (Photos: Converge)