Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary Jeff Dy shares updates on government initiatives related to connectivity at Globe’s recent R.I.S.E. 3.0 event.
MANILA, Philippines — The government is close to finishing a new tool called the Connectivity Index Rating (CIR) metric, which aims to ensure people across the Philippines can have access to reliable and high-quality digital services.
The CIR is designed to standardize the measurement of internet quality in public spaces, including airports, hotels, and offices.
Globe, other telecom companies, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) are working together on this.
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The initiative, which was tackled at the Globe R.I.S.E. 3.0 event, aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), which have parallel goals of leaving no one behind in the digital age.
Connectivity
Information and Communication Technology Undersecretary Jeff Dy cited the government’s dedication to this vision, highlighting the importance of elevating the country’s connectivity to accelerate national growth and achieve comprehensive digital inclusivity.
“Wouldn’t it be nice that before you even check into a hotel, you would be able to know if you could do business in that particular hotel? That’s the idea: To keep people informed of the quality of Internet connection in that particular establishment,” said Dy.
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The CIR metric focuses on two critical aspects: quality and availability of internet services, prioritizing user experience over business-centric benchmarks. The goal is to inform and empower consumers, allowing them to make informed decisions based on the internet quality of various establishments.
Exemptions will be made for smaller businesses, and private sector participation will be voluntary, fostering an environment of trust and transparency.
Dy said the CIR Metric is based on tried-and-tested methods for enhancing digital connectivity, referencing the successful adoption of similar standards in the European Union and South Korea.
Digitalization
Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu reinforced Dy’s perspective saying, “connectivity is the backbone of anything digital.” This affirmation underlines the essential nature of robust digital infrastructure for advancing technological and societal progress.
“Strong connectivity is the foundation of digital solutions, which we at Globe continue to develop to uplift the lives of our kababayans. We look at what other issues can be solved digitally, wherein Globe has the assets, brand permission, or even capability permission to build solutions,” Cu said.
The CIR is part of a broader government strategy that includes developing policies that will serve to expand and enhance connectivity nationwide.
Globe’s ongoing collaboration with the government on initiatives such as the CIR underscores the company’s commitment to utilizing digital solutions for addressing various challenges, heralding a future of endless opportunities for the Philippines.