Data rollover bills can undermine affordable, promo-driven data — CitizenWatch PH

MANILA, Philippines — The proposed data rollover bills could undermine the affordability and flexibility of prepaid mobile data offerings in the country if not carefully designed, a consumer advocacy group warned on Tuesday. The CitizenWatch Philippines urged lawmakers to suspend deliberations and instead conduct broader consultations, saying the proposals would risk clashing with the structure of the country’s promo-driven mobile data market, which is heavily reliant on short-term prepaid bundles offered by telecommunications companies. “Consumers should not lose paid internet data simply because of arbitrary expiration rules. That objective is valid and necessary,” said CitizenWatch PH lead convenor Orlando Oxales. Any legislation must reflect market realities as telecommunications providers in the country largely depend on frequently changing promotional packages rather than fixed monthly subscription plans, Oxales said. “Broader consultations among lawmakers, regulators, consumer groups, and telecommunications providers are needed to ensure that the policy is workable and aligned with the realities of the Philippine mobile market,” he said. While data rollover features are easier to implement in markets dominated by postpaid plans with fixed allocations, the advocacy group said the Philippine setup is centered on low-cost, short-duration promos that appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

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