The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and some of the largest telecommunications companies (telcos) in the country on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a standardized connectivity index rating (CIR). In a statement, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the MOU was developed between the DICT and members of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), specifically Globe, PLDT, Smart, DITO, and Converge. The CIR, Uy said, will provide clear insight to consumers on the connectivity performance of different telcos in a specific area. It will also allow businesses and public institutions to ‘optimize” their connectivity requirements based on the volume of their user traffic. ‘The benefits of having a nationwide benchmark for internet quality in a particular area could not be overstated,’ Uy said. The CIR will assess a range of data such as speed, accessibility, availability, and security of internet services. ‘This comprehensive tool delivers a vital reference for property owners and government institutions, enabling them to ensure the necessary level of connectivity to accommodate user traffic in locations such as airports, shopping malls, hotels, libraries, restaurants, and coffee shops,’ the DICT chief said. Through the CIR, the DICT and PSAC aim to create a ‘more dynamic, consumer-oriented digital ecosystem in line with international standards.’ The CIR is also aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ‘accelerate the digital transformation of the country by raising awareness on the availability, quality, and consistency of internet connectivity in buildings used for public purposes.’ The PSAC — composed of business leaders and experts across the ‘agriculture, digital infrastructure, jobs, healthcare, ‘Build-Build-Build,’ and tourism’ sectors — was established by Marcos with the goal of driving the transformation of the Philippine economy. The PSAC provides recommendations on modern policy development, feedback, and regular reports to the President based on the situation on the ground

Source: Philippines News Agency