FREE Internet access will be available in some public areas in Metro Manila starting today.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Watch announced that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to launch free WiFi zones at the Rizal Park in Manila and Quezon City Memorial Elliptical Circle.
The setting up of free WiFi zones in Rizal Park and Quezon Memorial Elliptical Circle is part of the initial phase of DOST’s P1. 4-billion project.
The free Wi-Fi project seeks to cover 7,112 public places in 967 municipalities.
It aims to serve “105,000 concurrent users with 256 kbps each,” which is considered the lowest prevailing speed requirement for broadband service.
READ: Free WiFi in QC and Manila by July 24—almost
The launching of the free Wi-Fi project coincides with National Science and Technology Week which will run until July 28.
House Bill 5791, titled “An Act providing free public wireless Internet access in public buildings, terminals, parks and plazas throughout the country,” was also approved last month.
If the bill is enacted, the government will have to provide stable broadband hotspots in all public spaces, which include government offices, state universities and colleges, parks and plazas, public hospitals, and public transportation terminals like airports, seaports and bus stations. Angeli Mae S. Cantillana, INQUIRER.net trainee/KS
READ: Bill providing free Wi-Fi connection in PH public places approved