TELECOM | Telcos urge delay in Konektadong Pinoy rollout amid emergency
Cell Tower. Source: Globe Telecom
Telecommunications operators in the Philippines called for a slowdown in the implementation of the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act, citing operational strain during an ongoing national emergency.
In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO) said it supports the law’s goal of expanding nationwide connectivity but urged regulators to prioritize sector stability as demand for network services rises under crisis conditions.
The group asked government agencies to extend and space out consultations on key provisions of the measure, including the access list, dig-once policy, infrastructure sharing, cybersecurity, and the Spectrum Management and Policy Framework (SMPF). It warned that compressed timelines could limit meaningful participation from stakeholders already dealing with strained operations.
“The overriding urgency at this time is to ensure that the telecommunications industry remains operational, financially viable, and fully capable of keeping critical telecom infrastructure functional and resilient,” the PCTO said.
The organization also raised concerns over rising operational costs, supply chain disruptions, and workforce constraints, which it said could affect compliance with new regulatory requirements if implementation proceeds too quickly.
The Konektadong Pinoy Act, which seeks to liberalize access to digital infrastructure and lower barriers for new network providers, has been positioned by policymakers and advocacy groups as a key reform to address the country’s long-standing connectivity gaps. Industry critics have pointed to persistent issues such as high internet costs, uneven service quality, and limited competition, particularly outside urban centers.
Advocacy groups have pushed for open-access frameworks and increased competition to improve service delivery, arguing that connectivity should be treated as essential infrastructure. They have also flagged regulatory bottlenecks and infrastructure deployment delays as factors contributing to the country’s digital divide.
Against this backdrop, the PCTO called for the full use of the one-year period provided under the proposed law for drafting the SMPF, warning that rushing the framework could misalign spectrum policy with technical and market realities.
The group further appealed for a temporary moratorium on new policy issuances affecting the sector during the emergency period, saying this would allow operators to focus on maintaining network reliability and service continuity.
While backing the broader objective of universal connectivity, the PCTO said policy rollout must account for current constraints to avoid unintended disruptions in service delivery.
The chamber said it remains open to working with regulators and other stakeholders to advance digital access while ensuring the resilience of telecommunications infrastructure.
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