By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat Business and civil society groups in the country have banded together to throw their full support behind the Open Access in Data Transmission bill citing this piece of legislation as a game changer that will catapult the country’s telecommunication and data services into the 21st century. These groups include the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce, which is composed of businessmen from seven countries, the Philippine Chambers of Commerce and Industry, IT Business Process Association of the Philippines, Contact Center Association of the Philippines, Internet Society, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters, US-ASEAN Business Council, Animation Council of the Philippines, Foundation of Economic Freedom, Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, and Management Association of the Philippines. In their joint position paper, the groups cited the importance of the bill. They said the bill aims to promote competition, innovation, and a level-playing field that will catapult the country’s telecommunications and data services into the 21st Century. The House of House of Representatives already passed its version on November 21, 2017, but the Senate has yet to act on its version under SB 1763, which was sponsored by Senator Bam Aquino. Aquino delivered the sponsorship speech of the bill on March 21, 2018. The business groups have asked Senate to approve the bill. The Open Access in Data Transmission bill aims to improve access, affordability, and quality of data transmission services, such as the Internet, by lowering barriers to entry and leveling the playing field for a more diverse set of service providers, promoting the sharing of infrastructure and resources. It also provides a clear and appropriate regulatory framework for data services that is consistent with how the Internet works — decentralized, distributed, and redundant. Likewise, the bill clarifies and strengthens the role of National Telecommunications Commission in the Broadband and Digital Age, which existing laws do not provide for. It also allows and empowers a diverse set of qualified service providers to set up data networks and offer Internet services in different parts of the country, which is crucial for regional and inclusive development. “We believe that the Open Access in Data Transmission bill is a reform that will not only make the telecommunications and data services sector more dynamic but will also improve the country’s competitiveness as it prepares for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” the groups said. “With more Filipinos able to access valuable information and opportunities, more government services delivered through online channels, and more businesses connected to the world, the Philippines can leapfrog and benefit from the digital revolution that is rapidly advancing around the globe.”