EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. NO. 1981
21 JM^12 P150
re::.
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT MANDATING PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENTITIES 
TO DISCLOSE SERVICE COVERAGE DATA TO THE PUBLIC
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced individuals, businesses, the public sector, 
and other groups to rely heavily on technology in their daily activities. Distance 
learning, for instance, has become the norm in the educational sector. Meetings have 
been scheduled and done through the use of online platforms, such as Zoom, Webex, 
Microsoft Teams, among others. Most people have also resorted to the use of Netflix 
and other video streaming platforms as a means of entertainment.
The need for connectivity has prompted the entry of telecommunications 
companies that have promised to provide more efficient services. However, their 
participation has not yet materialized into extensive coverage for all, especially those 
in far-flung areas.
This bill ultimately seeks to increase connectivity in the country by providing 
readily-available data with regard the coverage of public telecommunications entities 
in the country. The proposed mandatory disclosure of coverage data will provide useful 
information to policymakers, private sector players, and other interested stakeholders, 
and understand the roadmap of connectivity, as well as the strengths and weaknesses 
of each telecommunications entity in their area.


This bill aims to institutionalize a worldwide practice wherein 
telecommunications companies are mandated to release their coverage maps to the 
public so that the public will be aided in making their decision on what provider to 
choose. The disclosure of coverage data will also help decisionmakers focus 
resources for underserved and unserved areas.
Thus, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR J(kL VILLANUEVA


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. NO. 1981
of f'jr gr-:r.U ft-
21 
12 PI-51
rs
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT MANDATING PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS 
ENTITIES TO DISCLOSE SERVICE COVERAGE DATA TO THE
PUBLIC
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the 
“Telecommunications Coverage Data Disclosure Act.”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote a just 
and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity of the nation and free 
the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, 
promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of 
life for all. Towards these ends, the use of technology and increased 
connectivity for all citizens shall be encouraged.
SEC. 3. Mandatory Disclosure of Coverage Data. - All public 
telecommunications entities, including internet service providers, operating in 
the Philippines shall be required to disclose and publish, on an annual basis, 
their coverage data as provided under Section 4 of this Act. Without prejudice 
to Section 5 of this Act, the coverage data of each public telecommunications 
entities shall be publicly available and posted on their websites.
SEC. 4. Data Subject of Mandatory Disclosure. -
a. A publicly accessible map online that depicts the availability and scope of 
mobile and fixed broadband internet access service and/or mobile 
telecommunications services within the territorial jurisdiction of the 
Philippines: and


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b. A specification of the network or internet type (GSM, 3G, 4G, LTE, etc.) 
used in the geographical region.
SEC. 5. Indexing System. - The Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT) shall create a unified indexing system of 
data released by public telecommunications entities under a singular platform. 
The platform shall include, but not be limited, to;
a. 
A display of the geographical coverage of internet and 
telecommunications services in the Philippines;
b. 
Crowdsourcing facilities that allow third party users to submit information 
on coverage of telecommunications and internet services; and
c. 
Other information that will provide the public with knowledge of the 
telecommunications and internet coverage in the Philippines.
SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DICT, in consultation 
with relevant agencies and other stakeholders, shall promulgate and issue the 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act within 30 days from its effectivity.
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations 
or any part thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are deemed 
repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such declaration shall not invalidate other 
parts of this Act, which shall remain in full force and effect.
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, whichever comes earlier.
Approved,