#dost free public wifi

The Department of Science and Technology is looking to set up over 50,000 free public WiFi hotspots nationwide. DOST's Public WiFi Program initially had a proposed budget of Php338 million but this was later increased to Php3 billion. Through its Region 12 office, the DICT deployed Starlink kits, charging stations, and free internet services under the Government Emergency Communications System (GECS) and Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP). Free WiFi is now available in key locations, including evacuation centers, disaster response offices, and municipal facilities. Meanwhile, PLDT and Smart supplied connectivity support, free WiFi, charging stations, and free calls to assist responders and affected residents. Globe AT HOME is giving eligible customers free internet speed boosts of up to 1Gbps along with free WiFi 6 modem upgrades to help improve home connectivity for work, school, and entertainment. Subscribers whose current modem cannot support the upgraded speeds may also upgrade to a WiFi 6 modem for free, but with a required 24-month relock period. Commuters along EDSA now have free WiFi at 17 busway stations, thanks to a joint initiative by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Read more in our articles including "DOST to put up 50,000 Free Public WiFi starting 2015" and "DICT, Telcos deploy free WiFi in Quake-Hit Areas".