Bayanihan 2 paves way for telcos to improve service

The newly-enacted law temporarily suspends the requirement to secure permits and clearances to build telecommunication and internet infrastructure. (PCOO file photo)

MANILA – Telecommunications companies could now build critical information and communications technology infrastructures, including cell towers faster with the provisions of the Bayanihan 2, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday.

The newly-enacted law temporarily suspends the requirement to secure permits and clearances to build telecommunication and internet infrastructure.

Among others, it calls for the streamlining of regulatory processes and procedures to improve digital internet and satellite technology infrastructure.

Roque said all pending and new applications for cell towers, cell sites, roll out of fiber ground, installation of poles, ground terminals, and other transmissions shall be approved or disapproved with a non-extendable period of seven days.

“Isa lang po ang ibig sabihin nito, wala na pong lusot ang ating mga telecoms providers kung palpak pa rin ang kanilang serbisyo – lahat po nang hiningi nila ay binigay na natin. Tingnan po natin pagkatapos ng Bayanihan II sa Disyembre ng taong ito, dapat magandang-maganda na ang serbisyo ng mga telecoms company (This only means one thing, our telecoms providers no longer have an excuse to poor service – we already gave what they asked. Let’s see in December after the expiration of the Bayanihan II),” he said.

The Philippines currently has 17,850 cell sites according to the 2019 3rd Quarter Report by TowerXChange, an informal network advisor in the market tower industry worldwide.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology was earlier quoted as saying the country needs at least 50,000 more cell towers to improve services.