National Building Code revision sought to improve internet connectivity

An independent research organization has called for the revision of the National Building Code of the Philippines to help boost the country’s broadband connectivity. 

Stratbase ADR Institute president Dindo Manhit said there is a need to revise the decades-old building code to help achieve digital transformation in the country.

“Broadband internet connectivity has emerged as one of the most basic needs in today’s world,” said Manhit in a press statement. 

“It only follows that property developments, both in the public and private sectors, should provide the internet service providers access to adequate space to install the necessary fiber optic cables and equipment that would deliver the services to tenants and occupants,” he said.

Manhit likewise urged legislators to  “address the imposition of expensive lease payments being charged for the installation of broadband connectivity” as it will free up resources for the boosting and expansion of broadband services. 

“This will also send a clear message that the government is determined to transform the country into a globally competitive digital economy,” he added. 

Data from the Department of Information and Communications Technology showed that 65% of the country's population is still not connected to the internet.

In June 2023, the World Data Lab on the Internet Poverty Index showed at least 20 million Filipinos are “internet poor” or do not have the financial capacity to avail of at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of internet data per month.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News