DICT chief Aguda eyes affordable internet connectivity

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is pushing for affordable and reliable internet access across the country to benefit Filipino households, students, and workers.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda pointed out that digital infrastructure efforts are not just about technology upgrades but also about expanding opportunities for the people.

“We are here today not just to talk about towers, fiber, or internet speed. We are here for the Filipinos. This Telco Summit is about making sure every barangay, every school, every household, and every workplace is connected because connectivity opens doors,” Aguda said in his speech Thursday at the Telco Summit 2026.

“Affordable and reliable internet. Hindi sapat na may connection. Dapat abot kaya, maasahan, at ramdam ng bawat Pilipino ang benepisyo,” he added.

(Affordable and reliable internet. It is not enough to have a connection. It must be affordable, reliable, and every Filipino must feel the benefits.)

The DICT chief acknowledged that significant improvements have been achieved in internet speed, citing his personal experience of reaching 200 Mbps in Cebu and over 400 Mbps on a 5G connection in Metro Manila. 

These developments, he said, show that speed is no longer the country’s main bottleneck. “So 'yung speed siguro hindi na problema. Ang kailangan na lang nating gawin, consistency of connection. Kailangan nating mas stable (Speed is no longer the problem. What we need to address is the consistency of connection. We need to make it more stable),” Aguda explained, pointing to the urgent need for more cell sites and expanded network infrastructure.

He also welcomed the reduction in mobile data costs, noting that operators lowered the average price per megabyte by 17% last year. Aguda thanked Globe, Smart, PLDT, DITO, and Converge for responding to the administration’s call to make services more affordable and to expand coverage even in previously unserved areas.

“Hindi lang po ito aksidente (This is not just an accident). These gains came from reforms, investments, and partnerships,” he said.

Despite the progress, Aguda admitted that the Philippines still trails several ASEAN neighbors in speed, affordability, and coverage.

The country has improved its ranking from ninth to between sixth and seventh in regional benchmarks, but the President’s target is far more ambitious. “Kung hindi man tayo number one, nasa number two dapat tayo bago matapos ang termino (If we are not number one, we should be at number two before the present term ends),” he said, underscoring the long road ahead.

Aguda said discussions during the summit focused on the broader goals of the Konektadong Pinoy and National Digital Connectivity Plan to expand access while also ensuring that internet services remain affordable.

“It’s not just technology. It’s about students who can learn online, parents who can earn from home, small businesses that can grow, kahit nasa malalayong lugar (even in remote areas),” he said.

“The internet is a bridge. Kapag may koneksyon, may access training. Kapag may training, may chance sa trabaho kahit nasaang isla o probinsya. One simple idea: from signal to sweldo. Kapag maayos ang internet, trabaho ang lalapit sa Pilipino. Hindi na kailangan lumuwas para lang magkaroon ng oportunidad,” he added.

(The internet is a bridge. When there is a connection, there is access to training. When there is training, there is a chance for work, whatever island or province. One simple idea: from signal to salary. When the internet is good, work will come to Filipinos. There is no need to leave provinces just to have an opportunity.)

Aguda also stressed the need for digital accountability, saying that faster digitalization must be paired with safety and fairness for users.

For Aguda, the Telco Summit is an example of “digital bayanihan,” with government, private sector, and communities working together to close connectivity gaps.

“This summit is for the people, not just technology. Ikonekta ang bawat Pilipino at siguraduhing walang maiiwan offline. The internet is not a luxury. It’s a right. It’s a tool. And an investment for all of our future,” he said.

(This summit is for the people, not just technology. Connect every Filipino and make sure no one is left offline. The internet is not a luxury. It's a right. It's a tool. And an investment for all of our future.) —AOL, GMA Integrated News