DICT: PH internet already improved over the years

Summary

The 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.