DICT Streamlines Regulation for Qualified independent Tower Companies, Satellite Service Providers and Operators, and Private Express and/or Messengerial Delivery Service Operators.

On 08 April 2022, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (“DICT”) issued Department Circular No. 001, series of 2022 (the “Circular”). The Circular seeks to rationalize, streamline, and liberalize the registration, regulation, and monitoring of qualified independent tower companies (“ITC”), satellite service providers and operators (“SSPO”), and private express and/or messengerial delivery service (“PEMEDES”) operators.

The Circular restructured the Postal Regulation Division of the DICT into the ICT Infrastructure Services Enabling Division (“IISED”) and is placed under the direct control and supervision of the Office of the Undersecretary for Digital Philippines (“OUDP”). The IISED shall now handle the processing and evaluation of applications for registration or accreditation of ITCs, SSPOs, and PEMEDES operators and their subsequent monitoring and regulation. 

The OUDP and IISED are thus responsible in ensuring that all processes relevant to the implementation of the Circular are rationalized and simplified through the process of reengineering and the use of appropriate digital technologies. They are also empowered to issue advisories or guidelines in support of implementing said Circular. 

According to the DICT, these changes are geared towards improving the pace of participation of qualified entities, foster well inter-related systems of adequate shared passive telecommunications infrastructure, geographically isolated and disadvantageous areas and expand the courier service industry within the context of efficiency and accountability.