Council puts off installing public Wi-Fi

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has deferred approving the installation of public Wi-Fi following the questions raised on its expensive ?4-million price tag.

The legislative body instead approved the corollary motion to conduct an executive session inviting representatives from the Department of Engineering and Public Works, Bids and Awards Committee, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the project’s contractor, among others.

This came following the resolution filed by Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure of the City Council, requesting acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, to enter and sign an agreement with Trends and Technologies Inc. for the installation of public Wi-Fi outdoor access points in Cebu City at the cost of almost ?4 million.

During their discussion last July 17, Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., minority floor leader, said the proposal is “not advantageous” to the city. He then noted some of the items such as UTP CAT 5 which cost around? 101,000. According to him, if the city buys its own units, it will only cost 10,000.

“So this 100 times overpriced,” said Archival.

Aside from this, he also tackled the items under mobilization and demobilization which cost around? 345,000.

“I can move my heavy equipment from here going to Camotes and back it is only? 300,000. This one, a very small antenna, put that in the roof then it is? 345,000, what is going on here? This is something that is not good for the city,” said Archival.

He added that small items like antennas shouldn’t be categorized under mobilization and demobilization and further said there may be some other items under the proposal that could also be “overpriced”, hence a further study must be done.

The said public Wi-Fi is eyed to be installed at the Plaza Sugbo grounds and the Plaza Independencia which, to Archival, is only a small area.

Guardo said this resolution is in accordance with the ordinance of then councilor Edu Rama, now Cebu City South District representative, which aims to provide Wi-Fi in public places. He added the internet provider will be the DICT while the city government will be providing the equipment and the infrastructure.

Under the terms and agreement, it cited that its warranty is valid for three years while the internet usage is indefinite.

As for the items indicated in the Program Of Works And Estimates as Archival raised, Guardo said it is only the Engineering department that can answer this as they are the ones who prepared the proposal.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, majority floor leader, also said the exact location must be indicated as Plaza Sugbo and Plaza Independencia are heritage sites and must not be obstructed by any infrastructure.

Guardo proposed conducting an executive session for those questions and concerns to be raised. The majority agreed on holding the executive session this August 31. – /BRP (FREEMAN)