• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance mandating the provision of a back-up power supply requirement for internet and telecommunication service providers in Bacolod City, to ensure uninterrupted internet and telecommunication services, was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on third and final reading Wednesday.
Authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos, the ordinance said uninterrupted internet and telecommunications services are essential for government operations, education, business, emergency response, and communication among residents.
Internet providers in the city, while faced with complex challenges, one of which is its power source, are expected to provide regular and steady connectivity to its consumers most especially during peak hours when connectivity lag and drop calls are always experienced, it said.
Bacolod City, being prone to power interruptions and weather disturbances, requires contingency measures to ensure continuity of digital connectivity, the ordinance said.
Prolonged power outages severely affect online transactions, emergency coordination, public safety, and economic activity, it said.
It is the duty of the City Government to implement measures ensuring that service providers are equipped to maintain operations during electrical service interruptions, the ordinance said.
Requiring internet service providers and telecommunication companies to have generator sets or backup power systems will safeguard the welfare of the public and support economic stability, it said.
To be known as the “Backup Power Requirement for Internet and Telecommunications Service Providers Ordinance of Bacolod City,” the measure will mandate all internet service providers, telecommunication companies, and any related facility or equipment hub operating within the territorial jurisdiction of Bacolod City for the provision of generator set on each and every cell site to assure uninterrupted internet services.
The City Legal Office, in coordination with the City Engineer’s Office, will ensure that all such cell sites strictly comply with the provisions of this ordinance and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Any internet service provider or telecommunications company found violating this ordinance will be penalized as follows: for first offense – a fine of P5,000 for each non-compliant cell site and written warning; second offense – a fine of P5,000 for each non-compliant cell site and suspension of Mayor’s Permit until full compliance is achieved; and third offense – a fine of P5,000 for each non-compliant cell site and revocation of Mayor’s Permit.
Micro or small-scale ISPs with less than 100 subscribers may apply for a compliance adjustment plan, subject to the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.*
