THE Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO) wants the government to slow down the rollout of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, saying that fast-tracking complex regulations during a crisis could threaten the industry’s stability.
The group — comprised of major telecom firms, including Smart and Globe — said that while it supports the law’s goal of expanding digital connectivity, it is also asking regulators to give “immediate and serious attention” to several critical industry concerns.
Among these is for government to extend and properly space out policy consultations on a number of issues — including the “dig once” policy (coordinated planning between government and private entities to install broadband conduits during roadworks, pipe-laying, or other infrastructure projects), infrastructure sharing, and cybersecurity — noting that simultaneous deadlines are placing an “undue burden” on operators already struggling with strained capacities.
The national emergency due to the Iran war has triggered significant internal challenges in the telecom sector, such as surging operational costs, supply chain disruptions, and a heightened demand for essential connectivity, the PCTO said.
It also urged regulators to utilize the full one-year statutory period allowed for the Spectrum Management and Policy Framework (SMPF), arguing that a rushed framework could fail to align with technical realities and long-term public interests.
Consequently, it is seeking a moratorium on new policy issuances for the duration of the crisis, asserting that pausing non-essential directives is a “practical necessity” to keep critical telecom infrastructure functional and resilient.
Protecting the financial and operational viability of the sector is a matter of public interest, since stable connectivity remains indispensable for the country in times of national crisis, the group said. TMT
