DITO TELECOMMUNITY Corp. said it desires to play a task in crafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, particularly on data security and privacy, warning that poorly designed rules could “kill the aim of the law.”
“That’s where we are able to are available, by way of security and data privacy… We may also help craft the IRR. I are not looking for the IRR to be done in such a way you’re killing the aim of the law,” DITO Telecommunity Chief Revenue Officer Adel A. Tamano told reporters on Thursday.
Mr. Tamano said the law ought to be lenient toward latest entrants, as the target of Konektadong Pinoy is to entice more players into the industry.
“I feel a part of it’s to essentially make the barrier to entry really easier. The barrier to entry they gave us was very high. For the DTIPs (data transmission industry participants), though, I feel we’d like to have that balance. Allow us to make it easy but at the identical time we wish to ensure that that these selections are usually not fly-by-nights and never bad security levels,” he said.
He added that latest players mustn’t be subjected to the identical level of necessities currently imposed on incumbent operators.
“Possibly we are going to take a bit little bit of a unique approach (than other telcos). For us, I’m not going to fight that policy. As an alternative, I support it. We’ll fully take part in the preparation of the IRR,” Mr. Tamano said.
“The spirit of Konektadong Pinoy was a part of the spirit that allowed us within the (industry). We’re brought in to extend competition. I feel it’s hypocritical for me to oppose competition,” he added.
Mr. Tamano noted that DITO sees the brand new laws as a chance.
“I feel Konektadong Pinoy might be very positive business-wise. The framework of Konektadong Pinoy of opening up the telcos, in order that smaller players can use our network was our business strategy… If we position ourselves properly to take the chance, Konektadong Pinoy might be very positive for you,” he said, adding that that is how DITO approached its business in its first two years of operations.
“Does that look like it’s against my interest? Possibly within the short term, yes. But I feel in the long run, especially if we partner with these DTIPs to make use of our infrastructure, use our security systems, it will be a win-win situa-tion,” he added.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is targeting to finalize the Konektadong Pinoy Act’s IRR inside 60 to 90 days.
The Konektadong Pinoy Act, or the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, streamlines the licensing process within the industry. It also adopts an open-access policy to create a more accessible and competitive environment for all qualified participants across the info transmission network, while encouraging investments in digital infrastructure to support reliable and inexpensive data services.
Under the law, latest data transmission entrants aren’t any longer required to secure a legislative franchise or a certificate of public convenience and necessity.
To recall, Globe Telecom, Inc. and PLDT Inc. have each expressed concerns over the measure lapsing into law.
Earlier, the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators said this provision undermines regulatory oversight and threatens fair competition, because the law only requires entrants to secure cybersecurity certification after two years of operations.
In a separate statement on Thursday, advocacy group Higher Web PH (BIP) said the law “is a response to the Filipino people’s clamor for higher connectivity.”
“BIP looks forward to helping draft the law’s IRR and dealing closely with government, industry, and community stakeholders to make sure its swift and effective rollout,” it added.
It said that by encouraging more investment and empowering small players, the law “will promote access to work, education, health, and other life-changing digital services.”
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