DICT will overhaul its free Wi-Fi program to reduce costs

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will overhaul its Free Wi-Fi Program due to high costs and inefficiencies. 

DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy said the program requires reevaluation and restructuring to reduce spending. 

READ: DICT unveils Tower Watch PH to ensure nationwide ICT upgrade

The Philippine News Agency says the government has an annual budget of ₱6.5 billion to cover internet access in over 7,000 locations.

“There are more cost-effective alternatives if we enter into long-term agreements,” Dy said in a press release.

“For instance, we are in discussions with a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) provider for a potential discount to enhance connectivity in schools.” 

“The provider has offered an aggregated 200Mbps (MIR) of internet for 10,000 school locations at only ₱1.5 billion per year, provided the procurement is through a 10-year contract.” 

Moreover, DICT will use 40,000 locations for broadcasting educational content to enhance digital learning nationwide.

The government is shifting its attention to mobile network expansion. Also, Dy said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the department to allocate ₱5 billion to the SIM Card ng Bayan Project.

This initiative will fund the construction of permanent cell towers. Furthermore, it will support the expansion of permanent cell site towers by subsidizing the cost of telecommunications companies and common tower providers partially.

The DICT will provide this subsidy in the form of free 25-gigabyte internet subscriptions for students within the coverage of the towers. 

DICT says the Common Tower Program is a long-term solution for expanding mobile network coverage and broadband access.

“The SIM Card ng Bayan Project is a more sustainable alternative to the Free Wi-Fi Program,” Dy said.