HB87 - MANDATING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING ROLL-OVER DATA ALLOCATION SCHEME AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES

In today's digital era, access to the internet has become an essential part of daily life. From education and employment to commerce, banking, health services, and even spiritual gatherings--much of modern human interaction now occurs online. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, underscored how deeply intertwined digital connectivity has become with basic survival and social function. Whether in urban centers or remote provinces, the Filipino people rely on stable and accessible internet to work, learn, communicate, and participate in society. Yet, despite paying for mobile data or broadband subscriptions, many subscribers lose their unused internet data at the end of each period. For postpaid users, this often means forfeiting paid but unused megabytes or gigabytes. For prepaid subscribers, it means re-purchasing similar data promos just to maintain connection often without maximizing their previous allocations. This is not only inefficient; it is fundamentally unfair to consumers. In response to these long-standing concerns, this bill proposes to mandate a roll-over data allocation scheme across all Internet Service Providers (ISPS) in the country. Through this measure, subscribers will be allowed to carry over their unused data to the next billing cycle, or until fully consumed. For postpaid users, this includes an added provision for the conversion of accumulated unused data into rebates for the succeeding year. Prepaid subscribers will also benefit from the rollover system, provided that they renew their subscriptions promptly. A gradual reduction and eventual expiration of data will apply only if renewal lapses. Through a roll-over data mechanism, consumers will get full value for the services they pay for and will ensure that no data goes to waste simply because of arbitrary expiration periods. It also strengthens digital inclusion, especially for students, remote workers, small business owners, and families who are now more reliant than ever on online platforms. Continue reading here: https://docs.congress.hrep.online/legisdocs/basic_20/HB00087.pdf https://www.congress.gov.ph/house-members/view/?member=K053&name=Matibag%2C+Ma.+Rene+Ann+Lourdes+G.

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