The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) has deployed 20 free Wi-Fi hotspots in five different locations in Batanes through its Free Wi-Fi for All Program.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The free Wi-Fi hotspots were installed at Batanes General Hospital, Batanes State College, Provincial Capitol of Batanes, DICT Batanes Provincial Office, and at Mahatao Town Hall.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 21, the agency said each location has four Wi-Fi access points.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring our country and the world to a standstill, Internet connectivity keeps us going, keeps us productive, and keeps us connected. However, access to Internet connectivity remains a challenge in remote areas, particularly in the countryside,” DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said.
“Hence, we are ramping up the deployment of Free Wi-Fi sites in various locations and also strengthened our partnership with local government units for the implementation of the program in their respective localities,” he added.
The new sites were launched through the DICT’s Luzon Cluster 1.
“The goal of Free Wi-Fi for All has always been to provide Filipinos access to the Internet in public places, to bring the Internet and the opportunities it carries to the people wherever in the country they may be,” DICT Undersecretary for Digital Philippines Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic said.
As of March 30, the DICT has deployed 8,361 sites across the country.