The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) reported that the Philippines improved by as much as 262.27% in 2020 when it comes to internet speed. However, that’s comparing current data with 2016’s data, which isn’t a fair comparison if you’re really trying to see “real” improvements in services. Much like how NTC failed to be provided its required budget, the internet service of the country will require a prolonged and tedious process before its customers feel the needed upgrade.
As reported by NTC, the fixed broadband speed of 7.91Mbps in July 2016 versus the 28.69Mbps in November 2020 saw a “massive” upward trend, boasting a 262.70% increase. Meanwhile, the mobile internet speed “improved” from 7.44Mbps to 18.49Mbps — a 148.52% “jump.”
NTC says mobile internet speed in PH improved by 148.52% to 18.49 mbps in November 2020 from 7 mbps in July 2020. pic.twitter.com/cSoDDm9yQt
— Kat Domingo (@_katrinadomingo) December 7, 2020
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As of October 2020, the Philippines ranked 32nd in Asia in fixed broadband and 34th out of 50 countries in mobile internet speed. Singapore sits at the top of the list with 229.42Mbps fixed and 64Mbps mobile.
According to NTC Chief Gamaliel Cordoba, the government focuses on building roads, among others, because it can be seen (literally). When asked to be granted a Php10-12 billion budget to “put up a fiber internet backbone from Aparri to Jolo, and then from left side to right side from Palawan to Samar,” Cordoba said that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) only allowed Php900 million.
That’s probably not even enough for multiple cities to benefit from a Php900 million “infrastructure.”
However, the Senate Committee on Public Service Grace Poe assured NTC a Php5.9 billion raise in funds, which is still half of the requirement to build a sufficient fiber backbone.
READ: DICT Wants to Fine Telcos up to P2M for Poor Internet Speed Service
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