00:00The group of telcos is supporting the Connected Filipino Bill
00:04which is now held by the Bicameral Conference Committee
00:07with the aim of strengthening the internet connection in the country,
00:11especially in remote areas.
00:13Under this, it will no longer require those who want to be an internet provider
00:17to obtain a legislative franchise from the Congress.
00:22According to a group of telcos, they were not consulted here.
00:25This is justified because it was difficult for them to obtain a legislative franchise
00:31where they also serve as protection.
00:33The fine for a telco who can only afford to pay is also high.
00:39According to the DICT, one of the reasons behind the draft of the bill
00:44is that it will not require franchises to provide limited services on the internet or data.
00:51We went all through that process.
00:52After a few years, we were able to say that we no longer need franchises.
00:57That requirement was removed, that safeguard.
01:02Telecommunications is very critical, especially now in the political environment.
01:05If you operate like a telco, meaning there is a voice,
01:11there is what the telco provides, that is what a franchise needs.
01:18But when it comes to data, it no longer requires franchises.
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