Globe urges govt to establish Department of ICT
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The Philippines’ Globe Telecom is encouraging the government to establish a new Department of ICT to help improve the state of local internet services and the nation’s digital readiness.
Globe general counsel Froilan Castelo urged outgoing president Benigno Aquino to sign the bill that would create the new department before he leaves office next month.
“The Philippines is in urgent need of an agency that will drive the country’s ICT development and help steer the country to realize its full potential as a digital economy where homes, businesses and individuals have access to fast and reliable data connectivity,” Castelo said.
“We are hopeful that enhancing ICT development in the country by creating the DICT would enable more business organizations to work more efficiently, maximize productivity and contribute to sustaining the country’s economic growth.”
Castelo said a policy framework for ICT development is sorely needed to help develop the nation’s internet infrastructure.
Globe, for example, has faced regulatory hurdles inhibiting it from building more cell sites as part of its latest nationwide infrastructure program.
The proposed bill would abolish the Information and Communications Technology Office, National Computer Center, National Computer Institute, Telecommunications Office, National Telecommunications Training Institute and all communications units of the current Department of Transportation and Communications.
The functions of these departments would instead be taken up by the new DICT, which would also take responsibility for telecom regulator NTC, the National Privacy Commission and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center.
Questions & Answers
Q.What specific reasons does Globe give for advocating the creation of a Department of ICT?
What specific reasons does Globe give for advocating the creation of a Department of ICT?
Globe believes a new agency is needed to drive ICT development, improve internet services, and help the Philippines realise its potential as a digital economy. This would enable businesses to work more efficiently and contribute to economic growth.
Q.Which existing government bodies would be absorbed or abolished if the new DICT bill is passed?
Which existing government bodies would be absorbed or abolished if the new DICT bill is passed?
The bill proposes abolishing the Information and Communications Technology Office, National Computer Center, National Computer Institute, and others. The DICT would also take responsibility for the NTC, National Privacy Commission, and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center.
Q.What particular issue has Globe faced that highlights the need for a new ICT policy framework?
What particular issue has Globe faced that highlights the need for a new ICT policy framework?
Globe has encountered regulatory hurdles that prevent it from building more cell sites. This issue is part of its latest nationwide infrastructure programme and demonstrates the need for a coherent policy framework for ICT development.