Telecommunications company PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit, Smart Communications Inc., are reinforcing their support for government efforts to simplify processes and advance digitalization. Their initiatives align with the government’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision, focusing on improving public services and reducing the digital gap.
The PLDT Group supports the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)’s eBOSS program, which automates business permit processing nationwide. PLDT and Smart are donating 100 computer units to aid the program’s rollout across cities and towns.
“Our unwavering support for government efforts to improve public service delivery — by eliminating red tape, fostering private-public collaboration, and advancing digitalization — reflects PLDT Group’s mission to uplift Filipino lives through technology,” said Atty. Pamela Felizarta, vice president at Smart.
PLDT and Smart have also actively supported Executive Order No. 32, which simplifies the permitting process for telecom infrastructure. ARTA highlighted that the policy reduced the time needed to energize telco towers to 59 days and boosted approved permits by 48% from May 2022 to May 2024.
Expanding internet access
Smart is further advocating for legislation to lower internet costs, such as the “Sana All May Internet Act.” The proposed law aims to remove fees on Wi-Fi use, facilitating broader infrastructure deployment and reducing service costs.
Since 2019, the companies have worked with agencies like ARTA and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to streamline permits for telco infrastructure.
The group is also committed to expanding internet access in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) through the government’s “Broadband ng Masa” program.
“We remain dedicated to advancing digital connectivity in underserved areas and supporting the government’s goal of better services through technology,” Felizarta said.