Bridging the digital divide: Council advocates for subsidized SIM cards with internet access
The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has pushed for the distribution of subsidized SIM cards with internet access to Filipinos living in far-flung areas to accelerate the deployment of telco infrastructure and bridge the digital divide.
The PSAC’s digital infrastructure sector group made the recommendation to President Marcos during a meeting in Malacañang last Friday.
In a statement, the advisory council said it pushed for the distribution of subsidized SIM cards with internet access to those in remote areas under its proposed JuanSIM ng Bayan program.
The initiative is aligned with the government’s commitment to bridge the digital divide, especially in schools and government offices in remote communities, and drive economic growth.
“The project aims to deploy JuanSIM to 510 sites by the end of 2025, with the Department of Education overseeing SIM distribution. The DepEd will directly coordinate with beneficiary schools, sending technical personnel for proper implementation,” the PSAC said.
It suggested that the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) existing rural telecommunications system be used to support the JuanSIM initiative by tapping existing internet connections to boost Internet connectivity in these areas.
During their meeting with Mr. Marcos, the PSAC’s members also stressed the need for strategic investments in connectivity to bring reliable Internet access to all Filipinos.
The advisory council also welcomed the government’s directive to craft a consolidated national approach to artificial intelligence development and upskilling the country’s workforce.
It backed the key AI-related priorities of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, DOST, and the National Economic and Development Authority, such as investments in AI infrastructure and innovation and upskilling Filipino workers to help them thrive in an AI-powered economy.
“The President’s direct engagement in refining policies into practical solutions underscores the urgent need to expand bandwidth for students and families in remote areas while keeping pace with AI advancements,” said Myla Villanueva, PSAC digital infrastructure sector group lead and MDI Group Holdings Inc. chair.
She also expressed optimism in working with the government to “develop national strategies and upskill the workforce while ensuring a balanced approach to innovation, safety, and public trust.”
