DICT expanding free internet program

CEBU, Philippines —  In addressing the gap between those who have access to the internet and those without, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is continuing to expand its "Free Wi-Fi for All" program, providing free internet access in more public areas in the country.

 In a press release by the Philippine Information Agency-7, the DICT said that as of April 2023, there are 3,961 active free Wi-Fi sites in 493 localities across the country.

Of that number, 57 are in Negros Oriental, 43 in Cebu, 35 in Bohol, and 2 in Siquijor.

DICT aims to set up 9,762 additional sites in public places and 162 sites in state universities and colleges, at the end of 2023. It is actively collaborating with more local government units (LGUs) in expanding the free internet service.

During a regional multistakeholder's consultation on the National ICT Development Agenda held in Cebu City recently, DICT-7 Regional Director Frederick Amores said that through the partnership with LGUs, it would be easier for them to put up more free Wi-Fi sites.

He said LGUs can identify the potential areas, such as state universities and colleges, public hospitals, public plazas, and government offices.

“It is easier if we work with the LGUs, because they know which areas do we put these free Wi-Fi sites,” Amores said.

He said DICT is now seeing an increasing number of LGUs wanting to be part of the program, prompting their agency to continue fostering partnerships with them.

The program also seeks to encourage knowledge growth and accelerate economic development in the country by giving free internet access to more Filipinos.

This would allow the people to participate in online learning, perform online transactions, and avail other online services and activities which contribute to the nation’s digital economy.

“We want our citizens to be at least knowledgeable in the digital space, and it's difficult for the economically challenged segment to use the internet if they don't have money, and that's where the free internet services provided by the government comes in,” Amores said.

He said that with DICT providing avenues or spaces for those who cannot afford access to the internet, people will appreciate that there are a lot of economic opportunities awaiting them.

According to DICT, the 2019 National ICT Household Survey showed that only 18 percent of households in the country have internet access, with an average monthly spending of P1,281 for internet connection.

The data, DICT said, suggests that Filipinos continue to struggle to have internet access, "while the level of demand for internet access continues to increase, as it is now a major requisite for sectors and industries in adapting to the current digital economic environment.

CEBU, Philippines —  In addressing the gap between those who have access to the internet and those without, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is continuing to expand its "Free Wi-Fi for All" program, providing free internet access in more public areas in the country.

 In a press release by the Philippine Information Agency-7, the DICT said that as of April 2023, there are 3,961 active free Wi-Fi sites in 493 localities across the country.

Of that number, 57 are in Negros Oriental, 43 in Cebu, 35 in Bohol, and 2 in Siquijor.

DICT aims to set up 9,762 additional sites in public places and 162 sites in state universities and colleges, at the end of 2023. It is actively collaborating with more local government units (LGUs) in expanding the free internet service.

During a regional multistakeholder's consultation on the National ICT Development Agenda held in Cebu City recently, DICT-7 Regional Director Frederick Amores said that through the partnership with LGUs, it would be easier for them to put up more free Wi-Fi sites.

He said LGUs can identify the potential areas, such as state universities and colleges, public hospitals, public plazas, and government offices.

“It is easier if we work with the LGUs, because they know which areas do we put these free Wi-Fi sites,” Amores said.

He said DICT is now seeing an increasing number of LGUs wanting to be part of the program, prompting their agency to continue fostering partnerships with them.

The program also seeks to encourage knowledge growth and accelerate economic development in the country by giving free internet access to more Filipinos.

This would allow the people to participate in online learning, perform online transactions, and avail other online services and activities which contribute to the nation’s digital economy.

“We want our citizens to be at least knowledgeable in the digital space, and it's difficult for the economically challenged segment to use the internet if they don't have money, and that's where the free internet services provided by the government comes in,” Amores said.

He said that with DICT providing avenues or spaces for those who cannot afford access to the internet, people will appreciate that there are a lot of economic opportunities awaiting them.

According to DICT, the 2019 National ICT Household Survey showed that only 18 percent of households in the country have internet access, with an average monthly spending of P1,281 for internet connection.

The data, DICT said, suggests that Filipinos continue to struggle to have internet access, "while the level of demand for internet access continues to increase, as it is now a major requisite for sectors and industries in adapting to the current digital economic environment.