By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN
MANILA – Senator Lito Lapid is pushing for the establishment of broadband internet connection in all unserved and underserved cities, municipalities and barangays in the country.
According to Lapid, the vital role of the internet has shaped the modern world, especially in terms of information and communication, adding that all aspects of human social and economic life are now being continually and consistently being shaped by interconnectivity.
However, Lapid stressed that the current coronavirus pandemic has bared the supposed “digital divide,”with reports that students are deferring returning to school because of lack of internet access and technology at home.
“Sa kasamaang palad, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang hindi makasabay sa pagtungo natin sa digital age… problema pa rin ng marami sa atin ang mabilis na internet connection at para sa mga mahihirap nating kapatid, ang pagkakaroon ng internet ay isang bagay na hindi kasama sa kanilang prayoridad lalo sa maliit nilang kinikita,” said Lapid.
Due to the present situation, Lapid has proposed that all areas in the country be covered by internet connection.
“Problema din ang koneksyon sa internet sa malalayong lugar o isolated areas. Kaya gusto nating tugunan ang problemang ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsulong na makapagtayo ng pasilidad para sa broadband internet connection sa mga lugar na pinaka-kailangan ito,” he added.
Lapid recently filed Senate Bill 1598 or also known as “Last Mile Broadband Internet Connection Act,” which pushes that “for every mobile phone number subscription, telecommunication companies are mandated to set up and establish a facility for broadband internet connection in an unserved and underserved city, municipality or barangay.”
Under 1598, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will be tasked to conduct a study to determine these unserved and underserved areas in the county, which are in great need of internet connection.
The NTC shall use factors and parameters deemed relevant in identifying such areas as well as the agency to report and monitor the compliance to this program.
“Oras na maisabatas ang panukalang ito, inaasahan natin na walang komunidad ang maiiwan pagdating sa internet connectivity. Lalo sa panahon ngayon na hindi na lamang luho ang internet kung isang mahalagang pangangailangan para sa trabaho at edukasyon,” he added.
Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)
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