DICT activates free Wi-Fi in remote areas in Luzon

The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) widened the coverage of the Free Wi-Fi for All Program to include geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) in Quezon, Laguna, and Tarlac.

"Your DICT endeavors to connect and reach all Filipinos nationwide regardless of their location. In this day and age where ICT plays an important function in society, we aim to open up opportunities for Filipino to advance and thrive in the digital economy," DICT Secretary Gregorio "Gringo" B. Honasan II said in a statement Friday, May 14.

Sixty-six Free-Wifi access points were activated at 22 isolated barangays in Dolores, Tiaong, Candelaria, General Luna, Sariaya, Pitogo, Catanauan, Lopez, and Malunay towns in Quezon Province.

The DICT also established Free Wi-Fi sites in the municipalities of Cavinti and Liliw.

Free Wi-FI access points were also activated in Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac.

"Through the Free Wi-Fi for All Program, the DICT targets to deploy last-mile connectivity, particularly in identified GIDA locations," Honasan said.

As of May 5, there are 8,924 Free Wi-Fi sites installed across the country.

The Free Wi-Fi for All Program is under Republic Act 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act which aims to "provide free access to internet service in public places throughout the country to promote knowledge-building among citizens and enable them to participate and compete in the evolving information and communication age."