The Philippines has largely addressed its internet speed issues, but the government must now pivot toward ensuring connectivity is reliable and affordable for all citizens, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda said.

Speaking at the Telco Summit 2026, Aguda characterized digital connectivity as a core national infrastructure that dictates economic growth and social inclusion. While citing reforms and private sector cooperation for recent gains, he warned that the country must accelerate efforts to remain competitive within the region.

“It is an economic issue, a job issue, and an inclusion issue,” Aguda told an audience of industry leaders and telecom executives. “Above all, it is about the future we want for the Philippines.”

Aguda cited that speed is no longer the primary bottleneck, citing personal experiences of reaching 200 Mbps in Cebu and over 400 Mbps on 5G connections in Metro Manila.

“So the speed is perhaps no longer the problem. What we need to do now is focus on consistency of connection. We need it to be more stable,” he said, stressing the need for more cell sites and expanded infrastructure.

The secretary highlighted a 17 percent reduction in the average price per megabyte of mobile data last year. He credited providers such as Globe, Smart, PLDT, DITO, and Converge for expanding coverage into unserved areas in response to government calls for more affordable services.

Despite these improvements, Aguda acknowledged that the Philippines still trails several ASEAN neighbors. The country’s regional ranking has moved from ninth to between sixth and seventh, but Aguda said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has set a goal to reach the top two by the end of his term.

A significant "digital divide" remains a primary concern. In Metro Manila, approximately seven out of 10 households have internet access, while in rural parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, that figure drops to three or four out of 10.

“This is not just a digital divide; it is an opportunity divide,” Aguda said, citing that lack of access bars communities from online education and e-commerce.

To bridge this gap, Aguda pointed to the "Konektadong Pinoy" initiative and the National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP). The 11-year roadmap, which recently received presidential approval, requires an estimated P6 trillion in investments. The plan is anchored on four pillars -- better governance, expanded infrastructure, meaningful access, and stronger resilience.

Aguda said the reforms aim to streamline permits and promote infrastructure sharing, which could raise the telecom sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product by 1.1 percent. He called for a “digital bayanihan” among stakeholders to bring signals to the country’s most remote areas.