DICT: PH internet already improved over the years

NewsWatch Plus PH

16 Sept 202002:23

Summary

TLDRThe Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) defends the country's internet connectivity, citing an average speed of 3-7 Mbps and improvements over previous years. Despite this, they acknowledge the need to match neighboring countries' speeds of 213 Mbps fixed broadband and 56 Mbps mobile. The DICT seeks a budget increase for infrastructure like fiber optic cables and free Wi-Fi in isolated areas, emphasizing the importance of reliable connections in the current global crisis.

Takeaways

😐 Public frustrations exist over the current state of internet connectivity in the Philippines.
📉 The Department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) claims that the average internet speed is between 3 to 7 Mbps, which is lower compared to neighboring countries' speeds of up to 55 Mbps.
🚀 Secretary Clinton highlights an improvement in internet speed, comparing the current situation to previous years without providing specific figures.
🔼 Secretary Emmanuel reports that current connections can reach up to 25 Mbps, a significant increase from the 2016 maximum of almost 8 Mbps.
📶 Mobile data speeds have also improved, now reaching up to 7 Mbps.
🏗️ The ICT acknowledges the need for more telecommunications infrastructure, such as fiber optic cables and telecommunication towers, to improve connection speeds.
🚧 There are challenges in expanding fiber optic cables to all 81 provinces in the country, indicating a slow process for infrastructure development.
💰 The ICT is seeking an additional 3 billion pesos in their budget for free Wi-Fi access, particularly in isolated areas.
📈 The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved 11 billion pesos for the ICT's 2021 budget, which is less than the requested 45 billion pesos.
🌐 The importance of reliable and stable internet connection is emphasized, especially during the global crisis, for managing professional and personal lives.

Q & A

What is the average internet speed in the Philippines according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)?
-The DICT claims that the average internet speed in the Philippines is between 3 to 7 Mbps.
How does the Philippines' internet speed compare to neighboring countries?
-The Philippines' average internet speed is lower compared to neighboring countries, which have speeds reaching up to 55 Mbps.
What improvements have been noted in the Philippines' internet connectivity in recent years?
-There has been an improvement in the country's internet speed, with the current connection able to reach up to 25 Mbps, compared to 2016's maximum connection of almost 8 Mbps.
What is the current mobile data speed in the Philippines?
-The current mobile data speed in the Philippines can now reach up to 7 Mbps.
What is the target internet speed for fixed broadband and mobile internet in the Philippines?
-The target internet speed for fixed broadband is 213 Mbps, and for mobile internet, it is 56 Mbps.
What are the main challenges in improving the internet infrastructure in the Philippines?
-The main challenges include a lack of telecommunications infrastructure such as fiber optic cables and telecommunication towers, which results in slow connections.
How many provinces in the Philippines are expected to have fiber optic cables installed?
-Fiber optic cables are planned to be installed in 81 provinces in the country.
What is the Department of Information and Communications Technology's (DICT) budget request for free Wi-Fi access?
-The DICT hopes for an additional 3 billion pesos in their budget for free Wi-Fi access, especially in isolated areas.
How much was approved for the ICT in the 2021 budget by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)?
-The DBM approved 11 billion pesos for the ICT in the 2021 budget, which is less than the agency's request of close to 45 billion pesos.
Why is a reliable and stable internet connection important during the global crisis?
-A reliable and stable internet connection is crucial for managing professional and personal lives more effectively amid the global crisis.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Philippine Internet Connectivity: Progress Amidst Challenges

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the Philippines addresses public concerns over internet connectivity issues, asserting that the situation is not as dire as it may seem. Secretary Clinton, during the House budget deliberations, highlights that the country's average internet speed ranges from 3 to 7 Mbps, which is lower than neighboring countries' average of 55 Mbps. However, he points out that this is an improvement from previous years, with a current maximum connection speed of 25 Mbps, up from 2016's 8 Mbps. Mobile data has also improved to 7 Mbps. Despite these advancements, the ICT acknowledges the need for further development to match the 213 Mbps fixed broadband and 56 Mbps mobile internet speeds of neighboring countries. The department cites the lack of telecommunications infrastructure, such as fiber optic cables and telecommunication towers, as the primary cause of slow connections. The installation of fiber optic cables across the country's 81 provinces is a long-term goal. In the meantime, the ICT is seeking an additional 3 billion pesos for their budget to provide free Wi-Fi access, particularly in isolated areas. The Department of Budget and Management has approved 11 billion pesos for the ICT's 2021 budget, which is less than the requested 45 billion pesos. The need for a reliable and stable internet connection is emphasized as essential for managing professional and personal lives during the ongoing global crisis.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Connectivity Issues

Connectivity issues refer to problems that users experience with their internet or network connections, such as slow speeds or intermittent disruptions. In the video's context, the public in the Philippines is frustrated with their internet connectivity, which is a central theme of the video. The script mentions that despite these frustrations, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) claims that the situation is not as bad as perceived.

💡Department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

The Department of Information and Communications Technology is a government body responsible for the planning, development, and regulation of the information and communications technology sector in a country. In the script, the ICT secretary, Clinton, discusses the state of internet connectivity in the Philippines, indicating that while the average speed is lower than neighboring countries, it has improved over previous years.

💡Internet Speed

Internet speed is a measure of the data transfer rate of an internet connection, typically measured in Mbps (megabits per second). The script compares the average internet speed in the Philippines, which is 3 to 7 Mbps, with that of neighboring countries, which is significantly higher at 55 Mbps. This comparison highlights the disparity in internet connectivity within the region.

💡Momentum

Momentum, in this context, refers to the progress or development that has been made in a particular area over time. The script mentions the 'momentum that our programs have achieved,' indicating that there has been a positive movement towards improving internet connectivity in the Philippines, despite the current limitations.

💡Mobile Data

Mobile data is the service that allows mobile devices to access the internet via cellular networks. The script states that mobile data in the Philippines can now reach 7 Mbps, which is an improvement from the past. This is significant as it shows the progress made in providing internet access to the public through mobile networks.

💡Telecommunications Infrastructure

Telecommunications infrastructure includes the physical components, such as fiber optic cables and telecommunication towers, that support the transmission of information and data. The script highlights the lack of such infrastructure as a reason for slow internet connections in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for development in this area.

💡Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cables are thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit data as pulses of light, offering higher bandwidth and faster internet speeds than traditional copper cables. The script mentions the installation of fiber optic cables in 81 provinces as a future goal, indicating the potential for significantly improved internet connectivity.

💡Free Wi-Fi Access

Free Wi-Fi access refers to the provision of wireless internet connectivity without charge, often in public spaces or for specific groups. The script discusses the ICT's hope for an additional budget to provide free Wi-Fi access, especially in isolated areas, reflecting the government's initiative to increase internet accessibility.

💡Budget Allocation

Budget allocation is the process of distributing funds to various departments or projects within an organization or government. The script mentions that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved 11 billion pesos for the ICT, which is less than the requested 45 billion pesos, indicating the financial constraints faced in improving internet connectivity.

💡Reliable and Stable Connection

A reliable and stable connection is an internet service that is consistently available and performs without interruptions or significant slowdowns. The script emphasizes the importance of such connections for people to manage their professional and personal lives, especially during the global crisis, highlighting the necessity of robust internet services.

💡Global Crisis

The term 'global crisis' in the script likely refers to the ongoing challenges faced worldwide, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has necessitated remote work and online education, thereby increasing the demand for reliable internet services. This context underscores the urgency of improving internet connectivity in the Philippines.

Highlights

Public frustrations over connectivity issues in the Philippines despite claims of improvement.

ICT claims that the country's average internet speed is 3-7 Mbps, lower than neighboring countries.

Secretary Clinton acknowledges the improvement in internet speed compared to previous years.

Current connection can reach up to 25 Mbps, a significant increase from 2016's 8 Mbps.

Mobile data speed has improved to 7 Mbps.

The ICT admits the need to improve to match the neighbor's internet speed of 213 Mbps for fixed broadband and 56 Mbps for mobile.

Lack of telecommunications infrastructure is cited as a reason for slow connections.

Plans to install fiber optic cables in 81 provinces are mentioned, but the timeline is uncertain.

ICT is seeking an additional 3 billion pesos for free Wi-Fi access in isolated areas.

Free Wi-Fi is deemed important for the 2021 budget to support professional and personal lives during the global crisis.

The Department of Budget and Management approved 11 billion pesos for the ICT, less than the requested 45 billion pesos.

The importance of a reliable and stable connection is emphasized amidst the global crisis.

The momentum of programs achieved in improving internet connectivity is noted.

Secretary Emmanuel provides a detailed explanation of the current state of internet connectivity.

The need for telecommunications infrastructure development to improve internet speed is highlighted.

The budget allocation for ICT is discussed in the context of the global crisis and its impact on connectivity needs.