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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Digital connectivity milestone: Free WiFi across PH reaches 12K access points

Digital connectivity milestone: Free WiFi across PH reaches 12K access points

Published Dec 21, 2023 07:51 am

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Thursday, Dec. 21 announced that its free Wi-Fi initiative has reached 12,000 access points across 12 regions.

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Photo credit to DICT/ Manila Bulletin

In an interview with PTV, DICT Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Renato Paraiso attributed the increase to the agency’s Universal Internet Subscription for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS).

"We are pleased to announce that as of Dec. 15, we have 11,771 access points scattered throughout all 12 regions. Right now, it's around 12,000," Paraiso said.

"Our previous target of 13,000 by the end of the year, we moved— we are moving it so we can achieve this goal of having 15,000 access points to fulfill the mandate of our president for more connectivity for all Filipinos," he added.

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DICT Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Renato Paraiso during the interview. (PTV)

Meanwhile, in a cybersecurity discussion, Paraiso emphasized the positive response of various government agencies in addressing their cybersecurity postures.

"They improved their cybersecurity postures; they strengthened their systems with the help and guidance of DICT. Many of them are approaching DICT to conduct vulnerability assessment and penetration tests," he said.

"To determine their security levels, what can be improved, and what else needs to be changed in their systems," he added.

Paraiso also emphasized the improvement of the country's cybersecurity through the upscaling training initiative launched in 2023.

"Hopefully, we can further improve our hotline (1326), especially during the Christmas season against scammers. We have hired and improved through our attached agency, our friends at CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center)," he said.

Furthermore, aside from the enhanced cybersecurity measures, Paraiso also underscored the digitalization of the bureaucracy through E-Gov app—a super app that aims to integrate all government agencies.

"It aims to streamline government processes to make it easier for our fellow citizens to transact and engage with government agencies," he explained.

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