The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has awarded a contract to Converge ICT Solutions Inc. to provide free wifi services in various municipalities across Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.
The partnership is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to expand digital connectivity across the Philippines.
Converge ICT Solutions will supply free internet connectivity to 36 municipal sites in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur and four sites in La Union, targeting Local Government Units (LGUs).
DICT's free wifi for all program has already activated over 4,000 free wifi stations across 17 regions, 75 provinces, and the National Capital Region, although only 48% of Filipinos consistently use the internet according to a 2019 survey.
Converge ICT Solutions recently won the Broadband Telecom Company of the Year (Philippines) award for the second consecutive year and has been a key player in the country's digital transformation efforts.
DICT and Converge ICT expand free wifi in Ilocos and La Union regions
Partnership aims to bridge digital divide, boosting internet access for local governments and citizens alike
At a glance
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has awarded a contract to Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the Philippines' leading fiber broadband provider, to deliver free wifi services to various municipalities in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to expanding digital connectivity nationwide.
Under the agreement, Converge ICT Solutions will supply free internet connectivity to 36 municipal sites in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur and four sites in La Union. The partnership aims to enhance internet access for Local Government Units (LGUs) and bridge the digital divide in these regions.
Engr. Reynaldo T. Sy, Director of DICT's Regional Office 1, expressed optimism about the collaboration. "This partnership will enable us to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity to all LGUs in the provinces of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Ilocos Norte's Second District," he said. "We believe that this project will empower our citizens to stay connected, access vital information, and participate in the digital economy."
As part of its free wifi for all program, the DICT has already activated over 4,000 free wifi stations across 17 regions, 75 provinces, and the National Capital Region (NCR). Despite these efforts, internet access remains limited for many Filipinos. According to the DICT's 2019 National Information and Communications Technology Household Survey (NICTHS), only 48 per cent of Filipinos consistently use the internet, and a mere 18 per cent of households have internet access.
Converge has been a significant player in the Philippines' digital transformation. The company recently won the Broadband Telecom Company of the Year (Philippines) award for the second consecutive year from the Asian Telecom Awards. The firm has been investing in its digital infrastructure, including the SEA-H2X Submarine Cable System and the trans-Pacific Bifrost Cable System, to expand network diversity and reach unserved or underserved populations.
The company's Chief Operations Officer, Jesus C. Romero, stated, "Internet use has been integral in our everyday lives as well as our country's economic growth. We remain committed to working hand in hand with the Philippine government to fiber-power each Filipino household and business."
The partnership was officially sealed during a contract-signing event at DICT's Region 1 Office in Bauang, La Union. Attendees included DICT representatives Engr. Reynaldo T. Sy, Mary Jane Nerona, and others from Converge, including Evangeline Aquino and Jonathan Arenas.