The Philippines Highlights Digital Connectivity Ambitions
On February 5, the Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched the National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), which serves as the country's first comprehensive infrastructure master plan for digital connectivity and builds upon the National Broadband Plan (2017). The NDCP treats digital connectivity as a public good to ensure that all Filipinos have access by 2028 by reducing internet costs by 40-80% and addressing market barriers, including outdated regulations. The government plans to adopt a mix of terrestrial, submarine, wireless, and satellite technologies and is expected to invest PHP6 trillion (US$104 billion) over the next couple years to enable improved coverage.
The NDCP is structured around four broad outcomes: enhancing digital connectivity governance, increasing digital connectivity infrastructure investment, improving affordable access, and strengthening network and infrastructure resiliency. To achieve these targets, the plan identifies several priority initiatives, including the adoption of digital infrastructure standards, amendment of the Public Telecommunications Act (Republic Act No. 7925) and Radio Control Law (Republic Act No. 3846), expansion of submarine cable landing sites, and establishment of a sovereign communications satellite. The NDCP also calls for the development of frameworks focused on data centers, spectrum management, and digital critical infrastructure protection. Collectively, these initiatives represent a comprehensive attempt to address the Philippines’ digital divide and promote inclusive digital economic growth.
