RP ranks poorly in ICT index

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
The Philippine Star

There are still a lot of Filipinos who have no access to computers and the Internet, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) based on an international study.

Out of 65 Asian countries studied, the Philippines ranked a poor 51 in terms of the e-Readiness index. This dismal ranking is a result of the low connectivity in terms of broadband and wireless Internet penetration. Also, most of Filipinos are still unable to have access to personal computers.

The Philippines ranked in the middle of most of the ICT indices. Under the e-government category, the country was ranked 41 out of the 191 countries studied, 70 out of 115 in network readiness, 97 out of 180 in ICT diffusion and 94 out of 180 in digital opportunity.

"Generally, the ICT scenario in the country was better than the situation in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao P.D.R., Myanmar and Vietmam," the study said. However the country lagged behind Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam.

In addition to this, the study said businesses are still resisting technology. "The slow adoption of e-business practices among consumers and businesses contributed to its poor ranking," the study stated.

The study, conducted by global technology policy and management consulting firm McConnell International, said electronic preparedness measures a nation’s capacity to participate in the digital economy.

It likewise said electronic preparedness is a source of economic growth in the era of interconnectedness and the requisite to carry out successful electronic business.

As a result, it would be difficult for any business or a country to grow substantially if the main electronic pillars are not in place. The firm said countries who have only taken a first step denotes complacency which has an adverse effect to future development.

On the other hand, an e-ready society is one that has the necessary physical infrastructure (high bandwidth, reliability, and affordable prices), integrated current information and communication technology (ICTs) throughout businesses (e-commerce, local ICT sector), communities (local content, organizations online, ICTs used in everyday life, ICTs taught in schools), and the government (e-government).

Meanwhile, the country performed relatively well in terms of the quality of infrastructure, openness to trade and investment, vision regarding digital-age advances and high educational level.