Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 6248

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Introduced by Manila Teachers Representative
VIRGILIO S. LACSON

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

The indispensable role of the internet in advancing economic development and societal growth
can no longer be denied. Its apparent socioeconomic value of facilitating communication and
connectivity further accelerates information and knowledge transfer from one individual or a
group to another. As such, the United Nations has identified internet access as a fundamental
human right. A human right that enables individuals to express their right to freedom of opinion
and expression.

In education, internet connectivity improves learning experience by providing students, scholars,
teachers and academicians unlimited access to educational resources available online. Student
and teachers alike can extend learning contact hours through cloud sharing in which an instructor
uploads files, reading materials and lectures which the students can access online anywhere and
anytime that is convenient and conducive for the learner.

In business, the internet empowers businesses by accelerating business development by having
better services, ease in doing business and having access to new opportunities for innovation and
expansion.

In the case of the Philippines, the country ranks poorly in terms of broadband speed rankings and
affordability. Among ASEAN member-states, the Philippines ranks last on internet speeds
Tunning at an average of 3.6 Mbps, in contrast to the average internet speed of Indonesia at 4.1
Mbps, Malaysia at 5.5 Mbps and Singapore at 61.0 Mbps.

This bill recognizes the importance of high speed internet connection in productivity and
connectivity. Thus, it mandates internet service providers (ISPs) to deliver a minimum internet
connection speeds of 10 Mbps for mobile broadband internet access and 20 Mbps for fixed and
fixed wireless broadband internet access to their subscribers. ISPs shall ensure that they improve
their system and work towards providing an average internet connection speed above global
average.



Setting minimum internet connection speed standards not only ensures that consumers get the
best quality of the service they pay for, but also makes the country at par with global internet

standards.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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VIRGILIO S. LACSON


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Second Regular Session

House BILL No, 6248

Introduced by Manila Teachers Representative
VIRGILIO S. LACSON

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A RELIABLE INTERNET SPEED CONNECTION IN THE
PHILIPPINES, INSTITUTIONALIZING MINIMUM SPEED REQUIREMENTS FOR
COMPLIANCE OF ALL INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines
in Congress assembled;

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Reliable Internet ‘Speed Connection
Act of 2017”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of information
communication in national development and in achieving inclusive growth. The State therefore
shall implement measures to provide reliable minimum standards suitable to the needs and
demands of the Filipino consumers and protect such interests to ensure quality internet
connection service for all internet subscribers.

SEC. 3. Standards on Broadband/Internet Service. ~ Within one (1) year from the effectivity of
this Act, all ISPs shall provide a minimum internet speed of 10 megabits per second (mbps) for
mobile broadband internet access and 20 mbps for fixed and fixed wireless broadband andd shall
work towards providing an average internet connection speed above global average.

In order to meet the prescribed minimum standards, ISPs shall modify, improve, alter or change
existing systems and infrastructures to cater higher capacity bandwiths.

SEC. 4. Regulation. ~ The National Telecomunications Commission (NTC) and the Department
of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall establish requirements as deemed
appropriate to ensure that ISPs meet the minimum standards in internet connection speed, shich


shall include standards regarding connection, reception, pricing and billing practices to promote
consumer rights protection.

SEC. 5. Penalties. — Any ISP who shall not meet the minimum standards mentioned under
Section 3 of this Act, shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalty of a fine of not less than
Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) but not to exceed Three Million Pesos
(P3,000,000.00)

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The NTC and the DICT shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
deemed invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, orders, issuances, circulars, rules and regulations or parts
thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified

accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,