NTC imposes 256 kbps minimum broadband speed to telcos

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MANILA – The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered Internet service providers (ISPs) to have a minimum connection speed of 256 kilobits per second (kbps), as mandated in their Memorandum Circular No. 07-08-2015.

NTC will monitor ISPs to check if they comply with the new standard on broadband speed, which will be implemented next week.

The telecommunications regulator will then report to Internet consumers, ensuring that they get the quality of services they have been paying for.

“Under the new circular, we will monitor ISPs if they are providing broadband services with at least 256 kbps; if not, they will be penalized. Consumers will be informed of the results,” NTC Director Edgardo Cabarios said in an interview.

“We will ask ISPs and consumer groups to participate in our pilot testing for the minimum fixed broadband speed next week,” he added.

The same minimum connection speed applied to mobile broadband. However, the NTC ‘is targeting to promulgate the new rules on mobile broadband speed in November.’