Electronic Communication (E-Comm)

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Before we could describe the state of e-communication here in the Philippines, we must first define what it is for us to have a clearer and better perspective. Upon doing my research I was able to find a definition that we can use for this article.

“Electronic communication” means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic or photooptical system that affects interstate or foreign commerce, but does not include—

(A) any wire or oral communication;

(B) any communication made through a tone-only paging device;

(C) any communication from a tracking device (as defined in section 3117 of this title); or

(D) electronic funds transfer information stored by a financial institution in a communications system used for the electronic storage and transfer of funds;”

Based on the definition given above, e-communication (electronic communication) only exists because of technology. Without the proper technology, e-communication will not be available and accessible for use. Due to the recent innovations in technology, e-communication has now become available and accessible to almost everyone especially with the emergence of mobile phones, the internet, Social Networking Sites (SNS) such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. These platforms are not only used to communicate but they’ve also become a marketplace for tangible and intangible goods and services.

The Philippines is considered to be a third-world country but nowadays a lot of Filipinos are more connected than before. However, we cannot deny the fact that there still are areas in the country which are not yet reached by technology. Therefore, they have not yet been able to use and take advantage of e-communication. On May 23, 2016, Republic Act No. 10844, otherwise known as the “Department of Information and Communications Technology Act of 2015” was signed into law. According to the law, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will take on the role as the primary government entity which will be in charge of the planning, coordinating and implementing of the promotion and development of the national ICT development agenda. The Department of Information and Communications Technology commits to do the following:

·         Provide every Filipino access to vital ICT infostructure and services

·         Ensure sustainable growth of Philippine ICT-enabled industries resulting to creation of more jobs

·         Establish a One Digitized Government, One Nation

·         Support the administration in fully achieving its goals

·         Be the enabler, innovator, achiever and leader in pushing the country’s development and transition towards a world-class digital economy

The DICT is currently striving to develop and flourish ICT in the Philippines. They aim to pursue a progressive, safe, secured, contented and happy Filipino nation by focusing on ICT policy-making and planning, improvement of public access to ICT infostructure and services, resource-sharing and capacity-building and consumer protection and industry development. The DICT is also expected to lead the nation building through ICT, the safeguarding of information and the advancement of ICT in the Philippines.

photo from http://www.dilg.gov.ph/images/events/dilg_events_201569_f519d5b7e1.jpg

With the current agenda of DICT, they aim to prioritize the development of a National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed. The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) has already made efforts to make fiber optic cables and wireless technologies available in selected areas.  Hopefully, other telecommunication companies will also make efforts to make this goal a reality. 

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The DICT will also prioritize the provision of Wi-Fi access at no charge in selected public places including parks, plazas, public libraries, schools, government hospitals, train stations, airports, and seaports. Recently, I have noticed that Burnham Park already offers free Wi-Fi connection, but, it’s not as secure and reliable compared to having your own private connection. Lastly is the development of a national ICT portal. The DICT in collaboration with other countries as well as privately-owned companies have already made progress in terms of accomplishing some of the targets of the DICT.

We have made steady progress in the past years in terms of the development and promotion of ICT in the country. However, still have a long way to go if we would like to be globally competitive. Partnerships and collaborations between government and on-government institutions as well as cooperation with technologically advanced countries are key to the improvement of the ICT in the country. 

REFERENCES

18 U.S. Code § 2510 - Definitions. (n.d.). Retrieved August 24, 2017, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2510

Republic Act No. 10844. (n.d.). Retrieved August 24, 2017, from http://www.dict.gov.ph/republic-act-no-10844/

Mission and Vision. (n.d.). Retrieved August 24, 2017, from http://www.dict.gov.ph/transparency/about-us/vision-and-mission/

 Rodrigo, M. M. (n.d.). INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY USE IN PHILIPPINE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. Retrieved August 26, 2017,  from http://curry.ateneo.net/~didith/2001ICTUse.pdf

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE ELECTRONIC COMMERCE ACT. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2017, from http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/ph/ph028en.pdf