Republic of the Philippines.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

RECEIVED

Quezon City pave 30 IN 2175
TWENTIETH CONGRESS TINE
First Regular Session

House BILL No. 650

Introduced by: REP. TOBIAS “TOBY” M. TIANGCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In today’s digital age, reliable and affordable intemet connectivity is a fundamental
necessity for Filipinos, supporting education, work, business, and daily communication.
However, many consumers experience the frustration of losing unused data allocations at the
end of each billing cycle, despite having paid for these services in advance. This practice not
only leads to wasted resources but also undermines consumer rights and the full value of their
subscriptions

The proposed roll over data bill seeks to address this concern by mandating all
telecommunications companies to allow subscribers to carry forward any unused data from
their monthly allocation to the next billing cycle. This policy will ensure that consumers receive
the full benefit of the data they have paid for, promoting fairness and transparency in the
telecommunications industry. According to a report by ABS-CBN News, similar roll over data
policies have been successfully implemented in other countries, resulting in increased
customer satisfaction and greater accountability among service providers.

The absence of a roll over data policy in the Philippines has been a longstanding issue
raised by consumer groups and digital rights advocates. According to the Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the forfeiture of unused data
disproportionately affects low- and middle-income users, who are more likely to conserve their
data for essential use and emergencies. By allowing data roll over, the bill aims to make internet
access more equitable and responsive to the needs of all Filipinos.

Moreover, the measure is expected to foster healthy competition among
telecommunications companies, encouraging them to offer more consumer-friendly services
and innovative data plans. This will not only benefit individual subscribers but also contribute
to the country's broader digital transformation goals, as outlined in the Philippine Digital
Strategy and the National Broadband Plan. Further, this bill has also passed the third reading
in the 19" Congress.

In light of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

TOBIAS “TOBY” M. TIANGCO
Representative
Lone District, Navotas City

BON

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No. 650

Introduced by: REP. TOBIAS “TOBY” M. TIANGCO

AN ACT
MANDATING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING ROLL-OVER DATA ALLOCATION
SCHEME AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE THEREWITH

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as “Roll-Over Internet Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes the vital role of information
and communications technology in nation building. The State shall implement measures for the
regulations of internet services of internet service providers (ISPs) and ensure that the interest
and welfare of the people and the consuming public are protected and upheld.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:

(a) Data Capping refers to the limit of bandwidth allocation an ISP is offering to its
subscriber per day, week, or month;

(b) Internet Data Package refers to the intemet service packages, plans, or promos offered
by ISPs with maximum limits on the open access data volume an end user may avail
per set period of the package;

(c) Internet Service Provider refers to any service-based operator whose services involve
the combination of computer processing, information storage, protocol conversion, and
transmission to enable subscribers to access internet content and services as well as
multimedia services and its transmission of data through digital subscriber line (DSL),

fixed wireless broadband, cable broadband, fiber-optic or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)


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and mobile data to enable subscribers to access internet content and services, as well as
multimedia services;
Offer Duration refers to the length of time a subscriber or user is allowed to use an
internet data package service and promos;
Roll-Over Data Allocation refers to the unused internet data allocation per day, week,
or month, as the case may be, depending on the applicable Internet Data Package,
which shall be carried over to the following day, week, or month until it is fully
consumed; and
Unlimited Internet Data Package refers to an internet service package with no data cap.
SEC. 4. Coverage. — All ISPs in the Philippines shall be covered by this Act.
SEC. 5. Roll-Over Data Allocation Scheme. — All ISPs are required to implement a Roll-

Over Data Allocation Scheme for their subscribers as follows:

(a)

(b)

For postpaid subscribers or users:
The rolled-over data allocation shall be prioritized to be consumed in the preceding
month: Provided, That the unused data every month shall be rolled-over and
accumulated up until the last month of the year: Provided, further, That all unused data
allocation for a year may be used and converted as rebates, that may be used by
subscribers as payment for internet service in the succeeding year of subscription.
For prepaid subscribers or users and postpaid subscribers who avail of internet data
package promo offers:
(1) Unused data allocation shall be rolled-over provided that the subscriber or user
renews the subscription right after the lapse of the offer duration;
(2) The unused data allocation of subscribers or users who fail to renew subscription
shall be reduced by twenty percent (20%) every day until the subscription is renewed;
and
(3) If after five (5) days, the subscription is not renewed, all unused data allocation
shall be considered consumed.

SEC. 6. Exemptions. — Subscribers who availed and shall avail of any unlimited internet

data package with no data cap shall be exempted from this Act.

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SEC. 7. Penalties. - Any ISP who fails to comply with Section 5 of this Act, the
ing penalties shall be imposed:
A fine of Fifty thousand pesos (P 50,000.00) per violation per subscriber; and
For repeated violations, aside from fine, revocation or cancellation of the license,
registration or franchise of an ISP including the waiving of any pre-termination fees of

affected subscriber.


SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications
Technology, in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission and other
concerned agencies, shall promulgate the rules and regulations and other issuances as may be
necessary to ensure the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Cause. - Should any part or provision of this Act be declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules, and
regulations which may be inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,