The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is striving to lower internet service provider (ISP) costs by up to 50%, anticipating a rise in competition and facility sharing.

Secretary Henry Aguda of DICT mentioned that the agency is focused on making internet services more affordable, aiming to decrease ISP costs by 30% to 50%.

During the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Infrastructure Forum in Makati City, Aguda stated, "Over time, as technology advances, the price per megabyte will decrease. With increased competition and improved efficiency of telcos, prices will significantly drop."

Aguda highlighted that competition is set to grow with the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, which has been approved by both chambers of Congress and is awaiting the President's approval.

He added, "New data transmission players will no longer need to obtain a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) under this measure, eliminating key filters used to assess legal, financial, technical, and cybersecurity readiness historically."

Aguda mentioned that the cost reduction timeline should be met before the end of the current administration's term in 2028, expressing confidence in telcos' ability to compete and drive prices down.

Looking ahead, DICT plans to expand the government's free wifi access points to 50,000 by 2028, up from 15,717 in 2024, aiming to create a more equitable, informed, and inclusive society.