Digital advocacy group pushes for zero lease fees for broadband connectivity

A digital advocacy network said on Sunday that the Philippines should waive leasing payments for internet connection installations, highlighting that this would benefit Filipino web users.

Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo said the government should lift or regulate the lease fees and incentivize telcos to expand coverage in underserved areas and invest in digital infrastructure.

"Removing the lease fees for the broadband connectivity may lead to better telecommunications services for the public and will also improve the internet links in the country," he said. 

The group noted that African governments have begun to recognize the value of broadband connectivity to provide an adequate internet connection to its entire population.

Meanwhile, the Singapore government mandated that there would be no leases to be paid by internet service providers.

“Despite zero lease being accepted in the country, there are only 767 buildings or properties allowing zero lease and those tenants experience good telecommunications connectivity,” it said. 

Meanwhile, central business districts such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Cebu have a low percentage of buildings that offer no leasing fees which “is a crucial place to have such for uninterrupted businesses.”

Earlier, Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Ernest Cu asked property developers to remove lease fees for the installation of telecommunications facilities, noting that connectivity nowadays was as important as electricity and water utilities.

He explained that the leasing costs add a burden to telco companies which could provide higher quality services if such costs would be allotted for widening the scope of internet access. — DVM, GMA Integrated News