Community Networks to Benefit from Philippines' Digital Connectivity Law
The Philippines just celebrated its 31st year of being connected to the Internet, last 29 March 2025.
A day prior, various stakeholders came together at the Konektadong Pinoy Policy Conference, including unconnected.org. The conference was co-presented by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
The conference focused on the benefits of a new digital connectivity law, with its short title, “Konektadong Pinoy,” which is expected to be enacted in the next few months.
The event brought together policymakers, experts, industry players, civil society organizations, academia, and the international community. It highlighted the potential of the Internet for the Filipino citizens, the data transmission and broadband industry, and the country's overall digital transformation.
NEDA Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs Glenda Rumohr covered in her speech the benefits of Konektadong Pinoy: bridging the digital divide and accelerating the country’s transition toward a more competitive digital economy.
Konektadong Pinoy was certified urgent by the Philippine President to improve market competition, promote infrastructure sharing, and enhance regulatory oversight to ensure wider, more affordable connectivity. Through the new law, ISPs, upon registration with the regulator, may build networks in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
With the law’s focus on stimulating growth in the unserved and the underserved areas, member-partners of unconnected.org welcomed the landmark legislation to significantly drive connectivity to the most rural and remote areas of the country.
