Consumer group backs shared fiber conduit rules, demands connectivity gains

MANILA — Consumer advocacy organization CitizenWatch Philippines has endorsed efforts to establish unified national standards governing shared underground conduits for telecommunications networks, while cautioning that the initiative must prioritize improved service quality.

The endorsement comes after the Private Sector Advisory Council's Digital Infrastructure Sector recently briefed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the proposed "One Canal Policy." The framework would mandate that telecommunications companies utilize common underground conduit systems, a move aimed at reducing infrastructure duplication and streamlining network deployment across the country.

While acknowledging the potential efficiency benefits of consolidated underground infrastructure, CitizenWatch Philippines emphasized that regulatory safeguards must ensure the policy translates into measurable improvements for end users. The group highlighted concerns that cost savings from shared conduits could be offset by service disruptions or reliability issues if implementation standards remain inadequate.

Industry observers note that the One Canal Policy could accelerate telecommunications expansion in underserved areas by reducing infrastructure costs and expediting deployment timelines. However, the policy's success will depend on detailed operational guidelines that balance the interests of service providers with consumer expectations for consistent, dependable connectivity.