Free WiFi access for 99 percent of the Philippine archipelago by 2016 has been projected by the Department of Science and Technology.
The Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places project was announced by DOST Secretary Mario Montejo on the opening day of the 2015 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in July.
A DOST release states the project targets to provide Internet connectivity services in 967 Class 3, 4, 5,and 6 municipalities and key cities nationwide. This will be made available in public places such as parks, plazas, schools, rural health units and government hospitals.
“Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places strives to enable Filipinos to harness the vast potential and benefits of having consistent Internet connectivity to improve their lives and assist in bringing the country toward progress,” Montejo announced.
“First of all, Internet connection is capable of opening new markets for micro, small, and medium enterprises. It can also help the Mang Juans and Aling Marias who live in far-flung areas to reach basic government services. In addition, Internet connectivity also helps improve education,” Montejo added.
Quezon City Memorial Circle, Quezon City Hall, PHILCOA, Social Security System, and LTO in Quezon City and Rizal Park in Manila started to get free Internet access as part of an alpha launch test of Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places to help DOST’s Information and
Communications Technology Office (ICT Office) to assess the system and make the necessary adjustments before rolling out the project on a larger scale.
ICT Office expected a maximum number of 4,550 concurrent Internet users for the recent pilot test, but is prepared to provide for and maintain the speed and connection quality for up to 117,000 users by the second quarter of 2016.
The network will implement a blacklist system to block potentially harmful and destructive websites to keep information secure.
