[B-SIDE Podcast] Broadband for a better future

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Digital infrastructure may not be a campaign talking point but it will be important for the next administration and the Philippines’ post-pandemic future.

“Whether you’re talking about agriculture or housing, all these will ultimately be driven by a broadband connection,” said Mario R. Domingo, founder of deep learning solutions company Neural Mechanics, Inc. and director of the Ateneo Institute for the Digital Enterprise. “In no uncertain terms, I want to make it clear that a national broadband network is the project of the national government because the moment you privatize it, it becomes a profitability play.”

In this B-Side episode, Mr. Domingo tells ����ý reporter Patricia B. Mirasol about the relationship between the internet and nation-building.

TAKEAWAYS

The Philippines can take a page or two from its neighbors.��

Ambition-wise, the Philippines can take a page or two from neighboring countries such as China,, and Vietnam,.��

These goals, if reached, will benefit individuals, Mr. Domingo said. “You need to provide entrepreneurs the infrastructure. A guy from a sitio in Albay may have a mobile app idea, but not the connectivity to [test] it. If they have to rent an office in Bonifacio Global City to get good connectivity, you’re killing them already, because of how expensive it is there.” 

A policy has no teeth without implementation.

, which aims to strengthen, promote, and develop the Philippine startup ecosystem, is “best in class,” said Mr. Domingo.

However, policies — no matter how excellent — atrophy when not executed in a timely manner.��“What’s the point of giving an entrepreneur a grant if… the procurement process to buy a P1 million server takes eight to ten months?” Mr. Domingo asked. “By the time you install your high-tech equipment, it’s already obsolete.” 

Virtual connections can follow the physical.

If a high-speed northern Luzon to southern Mindanao railway network is built, it can act as the spine of a national broadband network.

“The reason why it’s missing is because it’s daunting,” he said, adding that several administrations will have to commit to connecting the Philippine archipelago. “Infrastructure-building is a core scalable and sustainable activity for the Philippines as a sovereign nation.” 

Recorded remotely on Dec. 15, 2021. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez, Jino D. Nicolas and Sam L. Marcelo.

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