The House of Representatives has approved House Bill No. 10699, also known as the “Sana All May Internet Act,” on its third and final reading, with an overwhelming 203 votes during its session on Wednesday, August 21. The bill seeks to provide more affordable and accessible internet services nationwide, which could significantly benefit millions of Filipinos.
The key provision of the bill is the removal of the spectrum users fee (SUF) imposed by the government on telecommunication companies for their use of frequency. This fee has been a long-standing burden on telcos, often contributing to higher consumer costs. By eliminating this fee, lawmakers believe that smaller internet service providers (ISPs) will be encouraged to expand their coverage, ultimately driving down the cost of internet services for their customers.
“Under the measure, the State, through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), are prohibited from imposing a levy, charge, or collecting fees from the telcos for their use of the specified Wi-Fi frequencies,” the lawmakers stated. This provision is seen as a crucial step in making internet access more equitable, particularly for underserved and remote areas in the Philippines.
The bill’s authors emphasized that the proposed measure does not seek to amend Republic Act 10929, also known as The Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, which mandates the provision of free Wi-Fi in public spaces across the country. Instead, the “Sana All May Internet Act” aims to complement existing laws by addressing the cost barriers that prevent many Filipinos from accessing reliable internet services.
The passage of House Bill No. 10699 is seen as a significant victory for advocates of digital inclusion in the country. The lawmakers expressed optimism that this initiative would lead to broader and more affordable internet access, which is essential in today’s increasingly digital world. With the bill now approved by the House, it will move to the Senate for further deliberation and approval before being signed into law.
If enacted, the “Sana All May Internet Act” could usher in a new era of connectivity in the Philippines, making the dream of affordable internet access a reality for all Filipinos.