NTC slammed for loopholes in new rules for broadband connection speed

By Charlie V. Manalo 08/21/2011
Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile has criticized the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) over the memorandum order it issued setting a minimum speed of broadband connections, saying the order is a mere “lip service” and will not ensure concrete benefits for a big portion of Internet service users.

This, as he called on NTC to push telecom firms to complete the rollout of mobile connectivity throughout the country which will allow Internet connectivity to penetrate a larger portion of the population and a bigger number of schools.

Enrile explained that despite its good intentions of improving broadband connections to allow customers to surf the Internet faster, NTC’s Memorandum Order No. 07-07-2011 was full of loopholes that may be used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to skirt the order’s intent.

In particular, he said the NTC order left out customers using pre-paid broadband services that last only for several days to a week. “The NTC order does well in setting a respectable 80% minimum service reliability level for ISPs and requiring ISPs to properly inform their customers about the broadband/Internet connection offered to them. This should benefit broadband users who are on a monthly subscription arrangements with their providers..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110821met2.html