PLDT Advocates for Policy Reform to Support PBBM’s GIDA Connectivity Plan

To effectively support its commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s connectivity goals for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) nationwide, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) continues to advocate for legislative measures that facilitate the efficient expansion of internet access.

PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo ‘Butch’ Jimenez Jr., who represented the integrated telco alongside PLDT Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) at the recent meeting of President Marcos with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), emphasized how policy reform is essential to bridging the digital divide.

Along with its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), PLDT advocates for legislative measures that include streamlining permitting processes, energizing telco towers for uninterrupted service, reviewing the National Building Code on lease payments for telco facilities, and rationalizing Spectrum User Fees (SUF). "Efficient connectivity is not just about technology – it is about economic opportunity. By advocating for legislative measures that support infrastructure expansion, we can stimulate local economies and create opportunities in the very areas that need them the most," Jimenez said.

The representation of PLDT and its wireless unit Smart alongside other local telcos at the PSAC Digital Infrastructure Sector steered by PSAC Lead Convenor Sabin Aboitiz and Sector Head Myla Villanueva, underscores the crucial role of collaboration between the private sector and government in fostering innovation and growth.

PLDT Group’s policy reform push aligns with the Connectivity Plan of PSAC, which targets to activate key GIDA sites within 2024 and a rollout of up to 1,050 new sites by 2028.