SONA Special Report: Faster, cheaper internet; Has the promise been delivered?

AMONG the most notable pledges of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2022 was the push for faster and cheaper digital connectivity all over the country – a promise the public has been hearing from him since his campaign. 

In his speech last year, Marcos highlighted the crucial importance of “universal connectivity” to ensure that “no citizen is left behind” and there will be “secure and seamless access to public services.” 

“This will be done through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, the common tower program, connecting our Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) via our ‘Broad Band ng Masa’ project,” he said. 

According to him, all relevant modes should be utilized. There could be a combination of terrestrial or submarine fiber optics, wireless or even satellite technology. 

Marcos’ call for universal connectivity pleased major telecommunications companies, which pledged support for his administration’s vision of an internet-competitive country.  

One year since then, how’s your connection? Has internet service really improved?

Speed test says PH internet improved 

The Philippines, under the present administration, has apparently experienced faster download speeds for both fixed broadband and mobile internet, based on the July 2022 Ookla Speedtest Global Index report.

The speedtest revealed that fixed broadband median speed increased to 75.62 megabits per second (Mbps)  from 68.94 Mbps the previous month, while the average download speed was at  102.93 Mbps. 

Meanwhile, mobile increased its download speed to 22.56 Mbps from 21.41 Mbps the month before.

This speed upgrade improved the country’s global standing in fixed broadband by seven notches, and in mobile by four notches. The Philippines ranked 46th out of the 182 countries for fixed broadband, and 84th out of 140 countries for mobile, in 2022. 

In 2023, the country logged further internet speed improvements. According to the Ookla report for the month of March, internet speed for fixed broadband median improved to 90.57 Mbps from the 90.03Mbps registered in February.

Mobile median speed also improved from 24.58 Mbps in February to 25.63 Mbps in March.

But despite the noticeable improvement in speed, there remains the problem of access. 

The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) said last month that 65 percent of Filipinos are still not connected to the internet.

Access to the internet is important because it means access to opportunities, according to a DICT official.

Netizens weigh in 

Despite some claims that internet service in the Philippines has been taken to new heights, some netizens have a different take. 

Aki Corbi Britanico, a 21-year-old intern for an online news company, complains about continual service interruptions, especially during rainy days. 

When using her internet at home, Britanico still experiences frequent lags when watching YouTube videos and especially when streaming movies. 

Avin Dela Cruz, a 21-year-old college student, also shares the same experience. 

For years, their home connectivity was so terrible that basic searches on Google and Facebook buffer when loading. It was only after they changed service providers that their internet speed improved; however, they still experience occasional interruptions during heavy rains or storms. 

On Monday, the President will address the nation once more. He is expected to deliver a report on the updates and improvements of the country’s digital connectivity. 

Will he have something good to say?