DICT allocates PHP 7.7 billion in proposed 2021 budget to boost FREE WiFi access

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has allocated PHP 7.7 billion in its proposed 2021 budget for the expansion of Free WiFi for All Program. 

DICT to bolster free internet access

DICT hopes to secure PHP 7.7 billion for Free WiFi for All Program

In a statement, the agency said the multi-billion peso budget would finance its goal of establishing 23,100 live sites by the end of next year. 

Majority of the sites would be deployed to boost the local education sector as the Philippines slowly shifts to a new normal amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

About 10,300 sites will be built in public schools while 1,804 sites will be deployed in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions.

We are aiming to provide every public school and SUC with free Internet connectivity and access to aid our students and teachers adapt to the new normal in the education sector. This is part of our commitment to DepEd, CHED and TESDA to ensure the education sector’s access to broadcast, connectivity and digital security this upcoming school year while the country is still under state of public health emergency, DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan 2nd said.

For national and local government offices, the DICT seeks to allot 5,644 sites; 3,300 sites for government hospitals and rural health units; 1,505 sites in public parks, plazas and other open areas, 368 sites in public libraries, and 179 sites in transport terminals.

As of end June, the country has more than 4,200 live sites, the DICT said.