DICT’s free WiFi rollout continues

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) continues to bring free internet access to more public areas nationwide.

The agency said there are 11,203 free WiFi sites installed in the country as of Oct. 1, an increase from the 10,661 sites nationwide reported as of mid-August.

In particular, the DICT ramped up efforts to provide internet connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas across the country.

Last month, the DICT launched free WiFi sites in 39 locations in Basilan.

It also launched free WiFi sites in 28 locations in Sulu, as well as in 34 locations in Tawi-Tawi.

Through the Free WiFi for All Program, the DICT aims to bridge the digital divide and bolster economic, social, and educational opportunities for Filipinos.

These sites serve millions of Filipinos, including students, workers, teachers, medical frontliners, and public servants, the agency said.

Mandated by Republic Act 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, the DICT’s Free WiFi for All Program aims to accelerate the government’s efforts in enhancing internet accessibility for Filipinos by putting up free WiFi sites in public places across the country.

Target locations of the Free WiFi for All Program include government offices, public hospitals, public schools, state universities and colleges, airports and seaports, terminals, among others.

The DICT said its Free WiFi for All Program achieved a dramatic 500 percent increase in its rollout rate in 2020.

From the previous annual average of 800 sites a year from 2016 to 2019, the DICT activated a total of 4,305 sites in 2020 alone.