The government is laying the groundwork for the entry of new foreign telecommunications firms, with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) confirming strong interest from overseas operators ahead of the release of new policy frameworks.
DICT secretary Henry Aguda said on Friday, Nov. 28, that the agency is finalizing a cooperation framework that will outline how foreign telcos can operate in the Philippines while ensuring the stability of the existing market.
“These telcos will provide good service to the people at a lower price,” Aguda said in a Malacañang press briefing. “These are reputable telcos that have operated in their countries. But I cannot yet say their names.”
Aguda stressed that the planned market opening is designed as a collaborative, not disruptive, shift.
“This will not be done to unduly hamper their growth,” he said, referring to current local telcos. “What we are looking for is a win-win framework.”
Under the planned rules, foreign entrants will be required to work closely with existing telcos — an approach Aguda said would promote infrastructure sharing and prevent displacement.
“It’s not good if a new player enters and the existing one is displaced,” he said. “They must be able to work together.”
Aguda also confirmed that all agency secretaries have signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Konektadong Pinoy Act. The IRR will take effect on Dec. 14 or 15, 15 days after publication.
Once the IRR becomes effective, the DICT will issue additional frameworks detailing how foreign telcos can form partnerships with local operators.
“When these telcos from other countries come in, they will partner with telcos here — that is the bottom line,” Aguda said.
He added that the administration’s broader goal is to boost competition and improve connectivity for Filipino consumers.
“That is the end goal — better service for the people and lower cost for Internet connection,” he said.
