Coltan from DRC conflict used in technology from major telecom firms
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Coltan from DRC conflict used in technology from major telecom firms
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![Telecoms players in the Philippines say that the government’s recent moves to streamline the permit process for faster network equipment rollouts are helping, but that stakeholders need to do more to make the process smoother. Last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr issued Executive Order No. 32, which – along with its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) – streamlined the permit process for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of telecoms and Internet infrastructure in the Philippines. The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said during its fourth telco workshop last week that EO 32 and the IRR have had a positive impact on network rollouts, citing a 48% rise in approved telco-related permits between May 2022 and May 2024. Attorney Pamela B. Felizarta, head of joint strategic operations at PLDT’s wireless arm Smart Communications, acknowledged that the guidelines, rules and regulations now in place have paved the way for faster rollouts of telecom infrastructure. However, she said that telcos still face formidable permit-related challenges, including securing Mayor's and Business Permits, unreasonable fees, and difficulties in obtaining consent from homeowners' associations, among others. Ricky James Steyn, COO and interim president and CEO at tower company Miescor Infrastructure Development Corporation (MIDC), agreed that uncooperative homeowner associations often hinder site development and connectivity improvements. He also emphasized the importance of standardizing Lease and Right of Way Agreements with landowners to prevent excessive fees and construction delays. Felizarta urged industry stakeholders, including government agencies, local government units, tower companies and other telco operators, to intensify collaboration in order to address these challenges. "We continue to collaborate with local government units toward a full appreciation of EO 32, and we look forward to the enactment of local ordinances that adopt in full the IRR's provisions," she added. "Together with ARTA and our partners in the public and private sectors, we trust that we will continue to work closely together, since there is still so much work to be done." "ARTA in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will draft a template ordinance for LGUs [local government units] to adopt in order to expedite the approval process," said ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez.](/images/stories/NewsPix/PLDT_Smart_Pamela_Felizarta_ARTA_workshop_600.jpeg)