DICT proposed a P200-B national broadband network

The newly-formed Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is already on its feet working on addressing the backlog status of the Philippine internet. Part of the plan is a multi-billion peso broadband network.

The government hopes to link previously unserved districts in rural areas through the government-built and managed internet backbone. According to ICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, the project could start as early as January if approved and will take three years to complete.

Of course, this massive project will come at a cost. It would range from P80 billion up to P200 billion depending on the type of network the government will put up. The government can lay out fiber optic cables, satellites, or even use existing power lines of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

The secretary even teased its other option — become a “full-blown, third-party operator” in the country. But, the chief quickly said that it’s too premature for now for the government to battle existing telcos Globe and Smart. The government is open to private sectors who wish to help on the dream project with two big Chinese firms already interested.