Since 2016, Internet stakeholders in the Philippines have advocated for changes to the country’s restrictive Internet provider regulations. Now, landmark connectivity legislation called Connected Pinoy is nearing passage and poised to bring Internet connectivity to rural communities that have been left behind by the digital divide.
Currently, individual Internet providers must secure congressional approval to operate in the Philippines, making it nearly impossible for remote communities to establish their own networks. Connected Pinoy will introduce: a simplified licensing process for building networks and offering Internet services; an infrastructure sharing scheme; and a spectrum management policy for regulating radio frequencies. It will also improve network security by introducing cybersecurity standards, national security provisions, and performance metrics—none of which are covered by existing laws.
The Internet in the Philippines—Fast Facts
• Population (2023): 114,891,199
• Percentage of population using the Internet: 75%
• Internet resilience score: 52%
• Internet Shutdowns in the last 12 months: 0
• Choice of Internet service providers: very good
Source: Internet Society Pulse
25% of Filipinos are still offline. Many of them live in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas where reliable, affordable, and secure Internet has remained stubbornly out of reach. For them, Connected Pinoy is a game-changer, as it will make it possible to build community-centered connectivity initiatives in the Philippines that can legally offer affordable Internet services to unconnected communities.
While rural communities are expected to experience the most dramatic benefits of the new law, the bill fundamentally transforms the Philippines’ Internet ecosystem for everyone. It boosts competition by making it possible for new, smaller providers to enter the market and includes consumer protections. That’s why the measure, seen by many as long overdue, has received overwhelming support across government, industry, academia, and civil society.
Reels of fiber loaded onto a boat bound for an island six hours off the coast of Quezon, Philippines.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. certified the bill as urgent on 27 January, as an important part of the administration’s goals. Both houses of Congress have approved the measure and it is expected to reach the president’s desk for signature once Congress resumes in June.
Connected Pinoy’s success is a testament to how positive change can be achieved through multi-stakeholder collaboration and cooperation. The Internet Society Philippines Chapter has consistently given its support to the open access bill by attending congressional hearings and legislative consultations, and by submitting comments to the Congress.
We look forward to seeing Connected Pinoy signed into law, and the positive impact it will have on affordable and reliable access for all Filipinos.
Learn more about the state of the Internet in the Philippines (and other countries) with Internet Society Pulse country reports.
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