The Philippines Advances Connectivity with the Konektadong Pinoy Act

Republic Act No. 12234, or the “Konektadong Pinoy Act,” establishes a national framework to improve data transmission and digital connectivity in the Philippines. It affirms the State’s policy to narrow the digital divide and ensure affordable and best quality data transmission through an open-access policy that fosters competition and equitable access for all Filipino citizens.

The Act advances fair competition by requiring infrastructure sharing and co-location, preventing the unnecessary duplication of facilities. Access providers must grant access to infrastructure listed in the DICT–PCC-approved “Access List” on an open, fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory basis. It also mandates a coordinated “Dig Once Policy” between the DICT and DPWH to ensure that Data Transmission Industry Participants (DTIPs) can easily place and install cables without repeated excavation in buried conduits.

Regulatory responsibilities are divided between the DICT, as the lead policy and planning body, and the NTC, as the chief regulatory and adjudicatory authority. Together with the PCC, they are tasked with promoting competition and ensuring efficient and transparent spectrum management, including the periodic review and recall of unutilized or underutilized spectrum assignments.

The Act also imposes strict compliance obligations on DTIPs, requiring adherence to NTC-set performance standards based on international benchmarks. DTIPs must secure ISO-aligned cybersecurity certification within two years of registration. Penalties apply to prohibited practices, such as “Refusal to Plug and Play” and anti-competitive cross-subsidization.

User protection is strengthened through guaranteed rights to non-discriminatory, reliable, and compliant with NTC minimum standards data transmission services. It further guarantees timely correction of billing errors, refunds, and prompt action on complaints. Users may also request immediate service termination without fees or penalties when providers repeatedly fail to meet required performance standards.