WHAT IS DIGITAL EQUALITY?

WHAT IS DIGITAL EQUALITY?

In simple terms, digital equality means that every person—rich or poor, urban or rural, able-bodied or disabled—should have the same opportunity to access and benefit from digital technology. It is closely related to what experts call the “digital divide,” which refers to the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not. If the digital divide is the problem, digital equality is the solution.

But what does digital equality mean in practical terms, especially when it comes to internet access?

To me, the internet should already be considered a public utility, just like water, electricity, telephony, and even public transport. These services are essential for modern life, but they are not free. We pay for electricity. We pay for water. We pay for transportation. Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable that we also pay for internet access.

The key principle for any public utility, however, is affordability.

This raises an important question: Is internet access in the Philippines affordable?

My answer is both yes and no.

Yes, mobile data in the Philippines is surprisingly affordable. In fact, the country is now among the cheapest places in the world to buy mobile data. The cost of one gigabyte of data is roughly about $0.59 or around ₱33, which is far lower than the global average of about $2.59. That is something we should be proud of.

But the answer is also no.

Fixed broadband—the type of internet that homes and businesses depend on—is still relatively expensive compared with the average income of Filipinos. A typical fiber internet plan costs about $35 to $53 per month, which could represent around 8 to 11 percent of an average Filipino’s monthly income. In contrast, in countries like Singapore or Thailand, broadband typically costs less than 2 percent of income.

This is not good for business, especially for small and medium enterprises that rely on stable and fast internet connectivity.

However, the issue is more nuanced than just price. Even if internet access is affordable, it must also meet acceptable standards of speed and reliability.

What good is a cheap service if it is slow, unstable, or intermittent?

Many Filipinos rely heavily on mobile data because it is cheaper, but mobile connections are not always reliable for work, education, or online business. Sometimes people might actually be willing to pay a little more—provided the internet becomes faster and more stable.

The government deserves credit for providing free public Wi-Fi in many areas. However, as the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” If a service costs nothing, we should not be surprised if the quality is limited.

True digital equality requires more than simply providing internet connections. Experts often speak about four pillars of digital equality.

First is access—people must have physical access to devices and high-speed internet.

Second is affordability—the cost of devices and connectivity should not consume an unreasonable portion of a person’s income.

Third is digital literacy—people must know how to use digital tools safely and effectively.

Fourth is inclusive design—technology should be accessible even to persons with disabilities.

Why does this matter today? Because the internet now affects almost everything: education, employment, healthcare, and even civic participation. In many countries, applying for government assistance, paying taxes, and accessing public services are increasingly done online.

In the Philippines, about 84 to 88 percent of the population—roughly 98 million people—are already internet users. Yet about 18 million Filipinos remain offline, mostly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

That gap is the real challenge.

I actually have some ideas on how we could make internet access not only more affordable but also faster and more reliable across the country. If anyone in government is interested in hearing these ideas, I would be more than happy to share them.

After all, digital equality is not just about technology. It is about opportunity, productivity, and ultimately, national development. In the digital age, access to the internet is no longer a luxury. It is already a necessity. 

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

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