Open access law IRR out next week

THE implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Konektadong Pinoy program will be published as early as next week, after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) completes its final round of consultations with telecommunications companies this week.

Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda on Tuesday said the DICT initially aimed to release the IRR in the first week of October but opted to extend the timeline to accommodate feedback from key industry stakeholders.

“The final consultation was completed in the first week of October. Publication will happen at the earliest next week,” he said at a Palace briefing in mixed English and Filipino. “Publication will take about 15 days, so before the end of this month, the law will already be in effect.”

The Konektadong Pinoy Act aims to expand internet access and improve digital services across the country, particularly in underserved and remote areas.

Mr. Aguda said the DICT prioritized listening to stakeholder concerns to ensure that the rules are “fair” to both consumers and telecommunication operators.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., he added, directed the agency to make sure Konektadong Pinoy enhances connectivity nationwide while maintaining fair treatment for existing telco players. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana