The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Free Wi-Fi for All Program, has installed free Wi-Fi hotspots in the entire provinces of Catanduanes and Sorsogon.
According to the DICT, all localities in Catanduanes are now connected to the program, allowing even the residents of the province’s geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) to access data and information through the use of Free Wi-Fi hotspots.
“Your DICT recognizes that connectivity is imperative in driving economic growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation, hence we are striving to reach more areas and connect more people,” DICT Undersecretary Jose Arturo C. De Castro said in a statement.
There are currently 146 Free Wi-Fi for All hotspots in 69 locations activated in Catanduanes, with 26 in schools, 70 in national government agencies (NGAs), 27 in public hospitals and health care units, and 23 in public plazas and open areas.
Meanwhile, in Sorsogon, there are now 397 hotspots in 253 locations across its 15 municipalities, according to the DICT.
Of the number, 89 are situated in schools, 178 in NGAs and Local Government Units (LGUs), 88 in hospitals, and 42 in public plazas.
“In alignment with our mission of providing every Filipino with access to vital ICT info-structure and services, we have worked on enabling the provision of internet connectivity even up to the Island Province of Catanduanes,” DICT LC3 Director Cheryl C. Ortega said.
“Moving forward, our cluster is committed into connecting the remote and isolated areas, thus aiming for 100 percent provision of Free Wi-Fi for All in all municipalities throughout the Mimaropa and Bicol Regions,” she added.
The Free Wi-Fi for All Program is one of the DICT’s flagship programs that aims to provide free internet access in public places nationwide.
As of Oct. 26, the Free Wi-Fi for All program had established a total of 11,400 sites nationwide, the DICT said.