What Can Really Kill Internet in the Philippines?

Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom have recently claimed that they are leading the so-called digital shift through their own respective campaigns. But despite their continuing efforts to enhance the digital lifestyle experience of their consumers, it does not change the fact that many Filipinos are not happy with what is happening in the telecommunications industry, especially when it comes to providing faster and more affordable internet service in the Philippines.

I read an article on a local tech blog about net neutrality in the Philippines and the criticism on free access to Facebook and affordable add-on promos provided by a certain telecommunications company. But, although I am agree on certain points on the article, I was not happy about the title of the article saying that free Facebook and promos are killing internet in the Philippines. For me, it poses as disrespect and discrimination to millions of Filipino consumers who are contented with having free internet on their mobile devices regardless of the telco's limitations.

Many of us are not against having the right to browse some of our favorite websites for free through the Free Basics by Facebook service, but I agree that regulation is the key to make internet services in the country worth the efforts. Our country may have one of the slowest internet connections in Asia, but that does not mean that we can lose our trust and money to the efforts that the local telecommunications industry made to make our digital lifestyle better than the usual.

So, what can kill internet in the Philippines in the near future? No, it is not free Facebook. No, it is not the duopoly. Heck, it is not even the lack of open competition. The answer is really simple. If we do not appreciate what our local telcos do to have a better digital life, then we do not know what the future holds for the next generations. In conclusion, the only thing that can kill what we are striving to have on our mobile devices is none other than us and us alone. So, let's just forget criticizing and appreciate our own digital shift for more years to come.