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GMA Network
4 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DICT chief Aguda defends Konektadong Pinoy Act
There's a high chance of the Konektadong Pinoy Act becoming a law, DICT Henry Aguda told reporters on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Ted Cordero/GMA Integrated News Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda is backing the passage into law of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which faces opposition from various telecommunications industry stakeholders, saying it would increase competition in the country's telecoms space and eventually lower cost of services for the benefit of the consuming public. 'We've already endorsed it, me and Secretary [Arsenio] Balisacan of DEPDev [Department of Economy, Planning, and Development], we're awaiting the schedule on when it will be taken to Malacañang,' Aguda told reporters at an informal briefing in Quezon City on Thursday. 'Mataas ang chance na matutuloy na 'yun [There's a high chance it will become a law],' the DICT chief added. However, he clarified that he does not want to preempt what President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s decision would be. Critics of the Konektadong Pinoy Act include the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), composed of the country's leading telcos, and the Philippine Association of Private Telecommunications Companies (PAPTELCO). PCTO called for a review of the ratified version of measure, citing national security concerns and weakening of regulatory oversight among new entrants in the country's connectivity service sector. PAPTELCO, on the other hand, urged Marcos to veto the bill also flagging national security issues as new players would no longer be required to secure a legislative franchise. Under the measure, new data transmission players are no longer required to secure a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). Aguda, in the bill's defense, said that 'there's no denying that Konektadong Pinoy will increase competition in the industry… and nobody is going to deny that [increased] competition will be good for the industry.' 'Konektadong Pinoy squarely addresses affordability because the more competition… the public will have more choices, which would bring down prices,' the DICT secretary said. The ICT chief said major telcos would even benefit from increased competition as they could divert revenues from end-users to wholesale as new entrants could tap into their existing internet infrastructure. 'Actually maganda nga 'tong Konektadong Pinoy sa major telcos kasi 'yung mga magtatayo para sa 'middle mile' makikigamit ng kanilang broadband service kasi hindi naman sila magtatayo ng transmission na malaki eh… So malilipat ang revenue nila from retail to maybe wholesale,' Aguda said. (Actually this bill will be good for the major telcos because those putting up the "middle mile" will need to use their broadband service, because they won't be putting up a big their revenue will be transferred from retail to maybe wholesale.) As to concerns on national security and other issues raised by critics of the bill, the DICT secretary said the ICT Department and its attached agency, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), would address it in crafting the measures implementing rules and regulations (IRR) once the bill is signed into law. 'We just have to be very exacting on the specific concerns of the industry. What I was hearing were… one is national security… we hear them and we'll address that with the help of the telcos. Another concern was… spectrum refarming… the NTC will set the specific regulatory [oversight] on frequency allocation,' Aguda said. On PH's dip in Mobile Connectivity Index The DICT chief also emphasized that the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which he said would result in increased competition in the telecoms space, would help in improving the Philippines' ranking in the GSM Association Mobile Connectivity Index. The latest edition of the GSMA's index—which assesses countries' performance on key factors in adopting mobile internet such as infrastructure, affordability, consumer readiness, and content and services— saw the country's score drop by 0.52 to 67.69. Aguda said that 'while this marks a slight decline from the previous year, it serves as a timely reminder of the work that remains in achieving universal, reliable, and affordable digital access for all Filipinos.' 'We see this report not as a setback, but as a guide that reinforces our focus on closing the digital divide, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to have an inclusive and digitally connected Philippines,' he said. The DICT reiterated that the agency is pushing for the passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which he described as a "landmark legislation" that promotes open-access policies, infrastructure sharing among telecommunications providers, and streamlining of permitting processes for broadband rollout. 'By lowering operational barriers and fostering competition, the measure is expected to reduce internet costs by 2028, while accelerating the deployment of high-quality connectivity across urban and rural areas alike,' Aguda said. The ICT Department, he said, is also expanding the Free Wi-Fi for All Program, particularly in remote and underserved communities. — BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
16-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DICT wants internet service costs down by as much as 50%
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is looking to bring down internet service provider (ISP) costs by as much as 50%, with the expected increase in competition and facility sharing. According to DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, the agency is looking to make internet in the country more affordable, as it targets to bring down ISP costs by 30% to 50%. 'Over time po 'yan (This will be over time). As technology becomes more advanced, the price per megabyte drops. As competition increases and as telcos become more efficient, the price will really drop,' he said during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Infrastructure Forum in Makati City. Aguda said competition is expected to increase with the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, which has been ratified by both chambers of Congress and is now awaiting the President's signature. 'That's one, kasi darating na 'yung mga (because of the arrival of the) third-party providers that go straight to internet services, but we will harmonize it with the current telcos ngayon,' he said. Under the measure, new data transmission players are no longer required to secure a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), a move that removes key filters historically used to evaluate legal, financial, technical, and cybersecurity readiness. Sought for the timeline for the cost reduction, Aguda said that this should come before the end of the administration's term in 2028. 'Before pa dapat yan. Mahirap kasing i-pin it down. You need to mix the price together with the free services that they provide. Confident ako 'yung mga telco magco-compete na eh, so malamang bababa 'yan,' he said. (It should be before (2028). It is quite difficult to pin down. You need to mix the price together with the free services that they provide. I am confident that the telcos will compete, so this will come down.) Moving forward, Aguda said the DICT also targets to increase the government's free wifi access points to 50,000 in 2028 from 15,717 in 2024. 'We are not building just fiber or satellites. We're building a more just, informed, and inclusive republic,' he said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
13-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Telecom operators call for review of Konektadong Pinoy Act
The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) urged the administration to closely review the measure before signing the bill and to ensure that its implementing rules establish clear, enforceable guardrails are the ones that promote real digital inclusion, ensure national security, and preserve a fair and future-ready industry. The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), composed of the country's leading telcos, is calling for a review of the Konektadong Pinoy Act that was ratified by both chambers of Congress and awaiting the President's signature. The PCTO said, that while it supports the bill's goal of expanding internet access across the country, it warned that the version passed by the bicameral committee could 'lead to national security vulnerabilities, weaken regulatory oversight, and destabilize the telecommunications sector in the long run.' 'We support providing broader connectivity to all Filipinos. However, the bill lowers the bar for accountability and opens the country to risks tied to unregulated infrastructure and potential foreign control,' said Atty. Froilan Castelo, PCTO president and Globe general counsel. Under the measure, new data transmission players are no longer required to secure a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) — a move that removes key filters historically used to evaluate legal, financial, technical, and cybersecurity readiness. 'This creates a two-tier system. Existing players remain subject to full regulation, while new entrants operate with fewer checks. That's a national security concern and a fairness issue,' said Castelo. The PCTO also raised concern about the law's exemption for satellite direct access services from any form of registration or authorization from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) or the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). This stands in contrast to the law's own principle of technology neutrality under Section 19. 'You cannot claim to be technology-neutral and at the same time give one technology a free pass. The provision requiring satellite services to apply for NTC spectrum use was removed in the final version. That opens a dangerous backdoor,' Castelo said. On cybersecurity, the group flagged that the law allows new players a two-year window to comply with national and international security standards. The PCTO believes this delay is unacceptable in today's environment of escalating cyber threats. Another gap in the law is the absence of any requirement for new players to serve geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), according to the group, adding that 'this could incentivize new entrants to focus only on high-density urban areas, leaving rural communities behind.' The telecom operators also noted the risks of rushing legislation without deeper stakeholder review, citing the POGO law as a cautionary example of well-intended but poorly executed policy. 'We've seen what happens when laws are rushed and under-vetted. We cannot afford another case where gaps in the law create bigger problems down the road,' Castelo said. The PCTO urged the administration to closely review the measure before signing the bill and to ensure that its implementing rules establish clear, enforceable guardrails are the ones that promote real digital inclusion, ensure national security, and preserve a fair and future-ready industry. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Commissioners 'not in favor' of proposed solar farm
CUMBERLAND — While county officials don't have the power to stop a proposed solar farm in their own jurisdiction, they plan to voice concerns and encourage area residents to do the same. The issue was discussed at Thursday's Allegany County Board of Commissioners meeting. LaVale resident Gregg Donaldson said installation of 15,000 solar panels are planned for farmland in his neighborhood in the area of Helmstetter's Curve on Cash Valley Road. 'I recently attended an informational meeting by the company who has a signed contract with the current farm owner,' he said. 'There is the potential that only a few residents of Allegany County would benefit.' Donaldson said many other areas of the county would be more suitable for a solar farm. The proposed location on Cash Valley Road would negatively impact 'the iconic farm scene that for years has been enjoyed and photographed by many (people) biking and hiking the Great Allegheny Passage trail or riding the scenic railroad train from Cumberland to Frostburg.' Board of Commissioners President Dave Caporale said the solar farm proposal did not include input from county officials. 'I think everybody is in agreement with you,' he told Donaldson. 'There are a lot of places in our large county that may be more suitable for something like this.' County attorney T. Lee Beeman said state, rather than local, officials control location for such projects. 'Essentially the state takes away our ability to choose — under our own zoning regulations — where we can place solar projects,' he said. However, county officials and impacted residents can offer input about the proposal during the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity process, Beeman said. 'We'll get notice when the developer applies for that CPCN and we'll have the opportunity to submit comments,' he said. 'While we don't have the ability to talk about zoning location, we do have the ability to talk about and provide input on development standards.' Cash Valley Road resident Susan Mallozzi said the project would cause the Helmstetter's Curve area to become an eyesore for tourists who pass through scenic Mountain Maryland. 'We are against the proposed solar farm,' she said. 'We live directly across from the site.' Green fields that could be lost to the project have in past years 'produced rows and rows of corn and the best Timothy hay around,' Mallozzi said. 'We feel our property values will be at great risk,' she said. 'Citizens are at the hands of big companies who search for land to make a profit in the name of green energy with no regard to our land preservation.' Commissioner Bill Atkinson said the GAP is one of the best recreational trails in the country. 'That is one of the most scenic parts of the whole trail,' he said of the area proposed for the solar farm. 'We hear your concerns and we're definitely letting people know that we're not in favor of that in any way, shape or form.'
Associated Press
11-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
I&M Files Proposal to Acquire Diverse Generation to Meet Future Energy Need
FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, has made a filing with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) requesting approval of a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) to acquire the Oregon Clean Energy Center, an existing 870 megawatt (MW) natural gas plant located in Oregon, Ohio. I&M's filing explains the need to acquire the facility, details about the plant, and future operating plans, if approved. Through the CPCN process the IURC will ensure that the proposed plant acquisition is in the public interest and is just and reasonable. The proposal to acquire the Oregon Clean Energy Center and its 870 MW of natural gas-fueled electric generation is one component of I&M's Future Ready plan, which details the resources needed to provide I&M customers reliable and affordable energy today and into the future. 'I&M has established the need for additional electric generation, and we believe the Oregon Clean Energy Center is an important opportunity to further diversify our current generation portfolio and position I&M for future growth,' said Steve Baker, I&M president and chief operating officer. 'It is our responsibility to ensure that our current and future customers have reliable and affordable power.' I&M is currently navigating an unprecedented time in its history. As the company looks ahead, power demand is expected to more than double the Indiana peak from approximately 2,800 MW in 2024 to more than 7,000 MW in the 2030 timeframe. The rapid growth in energy demand provides an opportunity for I&M to reshape the way it serves current customers and those the company will serve decades into the future. The Oregon facility, if approved, will provide a stable source of power to meet the 24 hours per day x 7 days per week operational requirements of our existing customers and the new customers coming on to the I&M system. I&M's current generation portfolio incorporates a diverse mix of resources, including solar, wind, nuclear, coal and hydroelectric units. The company's vision for the future is to implement an 'all of the above' approach to providing a reliable, resilient, and stable electric power system that customers can access affordably. Additional benefits to this approach are that it supports economic development, stable energy costs, and access to new technologies. I&M anticipates a decision from the IURC on the filing in early 2026. The company will submit additional filings to the IURC throughout 2025 to request approval for additional resources that are consistent with the Future Ready Plan. For more information on I&M's Future Ready Plan, visit our website. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,000 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 85% of its energy delivered in 2023 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company's generation portfolio also includes 1,497 MW of coal fueled generation. About American Electric Power (AEP) Our team at American Electric Power is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We are investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. Our family of companies includes AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. AEP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit News releases and other information about I&M are available at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Indiana Michigan Power
