DICT plans to revamp free Wi-Fi program

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is planning a major overhaul of its Free Wi-Fi Program, citing concerns over cost and efficiency.

Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy stated the current program, which operates on a Php6.5 billion annual budget across 7,000 locations, is being reevaluated.

The DICT is exploring long-term agreements with providers, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services, to reduce costs. One proposal involves securing 200 Mbps of internet for 10,000 schools at Php1.5 billion per year through a 10-year contract.

The department also plans to repurpose 40,000 locations for broadcasting educational content, aiming to enhance digital learning nationwide.

Officials are looking to redirect funds towards mobile network expansion and alternative connectivity solutions. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the DICT to allocate Php5 billion to the “SIM Card ng Bayan Project,” which will subsidize the construction of cell towers.

The program will offer free 25GB internet subscriptions to students within the towers’ coverage, aiming to incentivize telecommunications companies and common tower providers to expand their networks.

The DICT views the Common Tower Program as a long-term strategy for broader mobile network and broadband access, with officials suggesting the subsidized cell tower project is a more sustainable alternative to the existing free Wi-Fi initiative.

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