PSAC, ARTA work to improve Internet connectivity nationwide

MANILA-- The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) issued a joint statement to adhere to the President’s call of improving internet connectivity in the country during the December 6 Telco Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with the theme “One Data. Open Innovation. One Nation”.

The Telco Summit 2022 spearheaded by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DITC), and supported by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) was attended by telco partners, government agencies, local government units, among others.

The Telco Summit discussed the endless possibilities and potentials of the internet to connect and aid all people, however, digital divide still exists that has become a modern obstacle to many.  It also shared best practices, discuss pressing issues and innovative plans; all these reinforcing collaborative efforts to improve the internet connectivity of the country.

These joint statements are included in the organizers’ call for the issuance of an Executive Order to institutionalize the effect of ARTA Telecommunications Sector initiatives that took effect through Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMC):

To streamline guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses, certificates for the construction of shared passive telecommunications tower infrastructure.

Revised and Expanded Streamlined Guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses, certificates for the construction of shared passive telecommunications tower infrastructure (PTTIs).

Streamlined guidelines for the issuance of permits and clearances for the erection of poles, construction of underground fiber ducts and installation of aerial and underground cable and facilities to accelerate the roll out of Telecommunications and Internet infrastructure.

Since the implementation of the JMCs in July 2020, the nation has seen significant improvement in the number of telco permits approved. It has proven effective in curtailing government red tape and in accelerating the delivery of telecommunications and Internet services.

In just one year of implementation, there has been a 358.92 percent increase in telco permits approved, and a reduction in the turnaround time from 241 working days to a mere 16 working days.

PSAC lauded the national government agencies and local government units who form part of the implementation of the JMCs.  With the impending expiration of the JMCs next year, however, PSAC and ARTA manifest their support for the adoption of an Executive Order prescribing the continuance of the JMCs.

“ARTA's partnership with government agencies and the private sector is indeed integral in its ease of doing business reforms. That is why we are thankful that the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) recognizes the significant impacts of the three JMCs for the telco sector which were collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors,” ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez said.

This joint statement with the PSAC comes with the Authority's commitment to strengthen its push for the infrastructures streamlining and digitalization of government processes in adherence to President Marcos, Jr.'s directive to further enhance digital, improve our services, and ensure that these will benefit the Filipino people, Perez added. (Photos: PSAC-FB/Google Images)