Just like any other industry, the telco and digital industries bear the brunt of severe monsoons. Heavy rains and winds may topple the sturdiest of cell towers.

Pax Silica has stirred intense debate in recent weeks, culminating in the House of Representatives’ call for an investigation in aid of legislation into the Philippines’ participation in the US-led initiative.

More popularly referred to as the KP bill, it proposes to allow the entry of new players in the telco broadband business — without requiring a Congressional franchise and with less-than-usual supervision from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Among the three biggest providers—PLDT, Globe, and Converge—the competition now centers on who can provide the most reliable, fastest, and quickest service, and, more importantly, the most affordable broadband for homes.

Telcos are veering away from their traditional business of voice and data, and future-proofing themselves by embarking on new cutting-edge digital ventures, like fintech, internet of things (IOT), and artificial intelligence (AI).

Newly appointed Education Secretary Sonny Angara faces a daunting challenge of righting the listing ship of the Philippine educational system. One way he can do this is by leveraging the power of technology and digitalization to allow Filipino students to catch up with the rest of the world, says our telecommunications industry veteran.

From the experience of Thailand and Vietnam, it is imperative that cell sites and other infrastructure should not just be left to the responsibility of telcos. The provisions of telecommunications services are so vital to our nation’s development that the government and all sectors of the country must support this.