Think tank calls for Building Code review to address costly lease fee for broadband setup

A public policy think tank has urged lawmakers to amend the National Building Code to address high leasing fees being charged in exchange for installation of broadband connectivity in buildings.

The National Building Code, which was passed in 1977, only named power and water as essential utilities for residential and commercial properties.

In a statement, Stratbase ADR Institute president Professor Victor Manhit said that the code is already outdated.

“Much has changed since then, and broadband internet connectivity has emerged as one of the most basic needs in today’s world. It only follows that property developments, both in the public and private sectors, should provide the internet service providers access to adequate space to install the necessary fiber optic cables and equipment that would deliver the services to tenants and occupants,” he said.

He said the imposition of expensive lease payment being charged for the installation of broadband connectivity is an issue the Congress must address to send “a clear message that the government is determined to transform the country into a globally competitive digital economy”.

“This will free up resources that can be spent in the improvement and expansion of broadband services,” he added..

The Philippines was declared “internet poor” by the World Digital Lab after the country ranked 16th out of 166 on the Internet Poverty Index, with at least 20 million Filipinos unable to avail at least 1 gigabyte of internet data monthly.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/AOL, GMA Integrated News