Foreign bizmen back Open Access in Data Transmission Act

The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines over the weekend expressed support for a bill seeking to make it easier for more internet service providers (ISPs) to enter the country's broadband market.

In an emailed statement on Sunday, the JFC called for the immediate passage of House Bill 8910 or the Open Access in Data Transmission Act.

"The JFC believes that the enactment of this bill will substantially alleviate the challenges and difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic to businesses of every size, schools, hospitals, and government who increasingly depend on digital connections in their daily work and life," part of the statement reads.

The measure seeks to make it easier for ISPs to enter and compete in the local broadband market, allow faster and less expensive installation of broadband facilities, and lower the prices of internet chargers across the country.

The JFC requested, however, that lawmakers reconsider retaining the franchise requirement for international cable landing stations.

"The JFC considers such amendment as a barrier to entry of more players in the broadband sector. Sadly, this will delay lowering the cost of broadband and providing a fuller range of digital access for consumers and citizens throughout the country," it said.

The statement was signed by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

Also signatories were the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the Philippines, the Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters Inc. —LBG, GMA News