The National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 29 to support the rollout of the “Konektadong Pinoy” initiative aimed at expanding internet connectivity in underserved areas.

The signing ceremony was held at the NEA headquarters in Quezon City, bringing together officials from both agencies, electric cooperatives, and industry stakeholders.

The initiative is anchored on Republic Act No. 12234, or the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which seeks to promote universal internet access, encourage competition in data transmission, and enable infrastructure sharing.

Under the agreement, electric cooperatives are expected to play a broader role in supporting digital infrastructure by allowing the use of existing assets such as utility poles for data transmission.

Antonio Mariano Almeda, Administrator of the NEA, said the partnership expands the role of electric cooperatives beyond power distribution.

“Apart from being power distribution utilities, the electric cooperatives are now being positioned to also support the data transmission sector,” Almeda said.

He added that the agreement aims to establish a framework for infrastructure sharing, including provisions on cost allocation and coordination among stakeholders, particularly for middle-mile and last-mile connectivity.

Henry Rhoel Aguda, Secretary of the DICT, said the initiative will leverage existing power infrastructure to expand fiber connectivity nationwide.

“Electric cooperatives… can be our way to bring fiber to every house of every Filipino,” Aguda said.

He added that electric cooperatives may also be allowed to participate as data transmission infrastructure providers, subject to regulatory approval.

Aguda said the initiative could be supported by financing from international institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, with funding of up to USD 1 billion being secured for fiberization efforts.

The rollout is expected to involve coordination among the DICT, NEA, the National Telecommunications Commission, and electric cooperatives, with consultations and standards-setting activities to follow the signing of the agreement.

How can infrastructure sharing between power and telecom sectors improve connectivity in underserved areas?

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.