BusinessWorld
May 25, 2021 | 8:42 pm
BW FILE PHOTO
THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Congress needs to legislate a spectrum user fee (SUF) to ensure the sustainability of telecommunications industry development and improve access to the internet.
At a House hearing Tuesday, Information and Communications Undersecretary Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic said the SUF was on the DICT’s wish list when legislators were discussing the proposed third Bayanihan economic stimulus package. The DICT said the fee can only be imposed by law. The funding generated by the fee will allow more fiber connectivity in remote areas.
“If you will allow us… (to unlock the) spectrum users fee, we will be able to invest in digital infrastructure… so that it is sustainable, economical, and better,” he said, in response to Catanduanes Rep. Hector S. Sanchez’s question on the DICT’s plan to “fiberize” the telecom infrastructure.