OOKLA Speedtest Global Index report showed an increase in fixed broadband and mobile download speeds for the Philippines in March 2023.

The country’s fixed broadband median speed improved to 90.57Mbps from the 90.03Mbps registered the month before. The latest download speed represents an improvement of 19.66% since the Marcos administration began in July 2022.

Mobile median speed also improved as the country yielded a download speed of 25.63Mbps from 24.58Mbps the month before. The latest download speed represents an improvement of 13.66% since the Marcos administration began in July 2022.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said that ensuring improvement of internet speed remains a priority as President Marcos asked telecommunications companies to support expediting the digitalization of small businesses and government services noting the Filipinos’ massive use of the internet in every single aspect of life.

The NTC added that the steady improvement of internet speed also complements President Marcos’ Executive Order 18 directing the establishment of green lanes for strategic investments in all government agencies.

The Order also directs the Department of Information and Communications Technology to make available to LGUs the software for the computerization of the business permit and licensing system, with the help of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Streamlining and speeding up the issuance of LGU permits in July 2020 generated a significant increase in permits granted to telcos from July 2020 to February 2023. Improvement on internet speed is largely attributed to this development as telcos are able to fast-track building infrastructure (cellular towers and fiber optic network) necessary in boosting services and connectivity.

Furthermore, in a separate memorandum order dated April 26, 2023, NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez ordered the telcos to extend the period for SIM registration until July 25, 2023.

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