The Philippine Government’s nationwide free Wi-Fi program will receive ₱1.76 billion based on the proposed budget for 2017 through its implementing agency, the DICT.
Several government offices and public areas already have free Wi-Fi since June 2016. With the increased funding next year, more hotspots will be installed in key cities and towns nationwide. However, the data cap of 50MB per day and speed limit of 256kbps will still be implemented.
The program received ₱1.4 billion in 2015 when it started with six hotspots and another ₱1.65 billion this year, 2016, for its expansion in more areas.
Senator Ralph Recto said that with the proposed funding, the project, which aims to provide free broadband internet access to 1,462 towns and 44 key cities nationwide, is sustained.
While the benefits of a nationwide free Wi-Fi program are obvious, the quality of the service is currently in question. Hopefully, this can also be addressed given the program’s budget.
