The DICT estimates the first phase of the free Wi-Fi project will require P5 billion. But the budget has not been submitted to Congress. Photo by The EdLines.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for a faster and more efficient rollout of the government’s free Wi-Fi program, emphasizing the critical need for reliable internet access in public schools.
During a recent budget briefing, Gatchalian questioned the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) about the slow progress of the program, emphasizing the importance of connectivity in education technology.
Based on the report of the DICT, only 5.36% or 6,700 out of the 125,000 public places targeted currently have free WiFi. This includes a small fraction of public schools.
DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy explained that rolling out free Wi-Fi to all targeted locations would require around P58 billion annually, making it potentially unsustainable.
Dy noted that the department is exploring partnerships with telecommunications companies to identify sites for new cell towers, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
To encourage these companies to build more cell sites, the government plans to compensate commercial losses by covering subscription fees and help recover their costs.
Specifically, the government could distribute SIM cards and subsidize cellphone load for up to two years.
The DICT estimates that P5 billion is needed for the first phase of its free Wi-Fi rollout, targeting public schools and 300 barangays in disadvantaged areas.
However, this funding is not included in the National Expenditure Program submitted to Congress.
Gatchalian assured DICT that he would support their proposal but requested more details on timelines and targets.
