DOST to increase budget for free Wi-Fi project

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) intends to increase the budget allocation for the Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places project so first- and second-class towns can be served.

If implemented, the project will also be able to reach municipalities with a class classification of three to six, the original target beneficiaries.

Service providers earlier snubbed the invitation for them to service classes three to six towns, citing the low government budget allocation.

“We intend to increase the budget allocation for municipal connectivity by around 50 percent. We will include class one and two municipalities to reach classes three to six, which need Internet connectivity the most,” said Undersecretary Louis Casambre of the ICT Office.

By including class one and two, funding for the Allocated Budget for Contract will also be increased, making it more inviting for providers. The targeted beneficiary municipalities will then be increased from 967 to 1,435.

Casambre explained that the target and budget must be increased because providers also need to upgrade and expand their communications infrastructure if they are to serve far-flung areas.

According to the project management team, P1.6 billion was added to the 2015 unobligated funds for the 2016 budget.

Free wi-fi in public places allows wireless Internet access points in town plazas, parks, government offices, health units and transport terminals, including train stations, seaports and airports. 

World Bank studies have shown that every 10 percent increase in broadband Internet penetration translates to 1.38 percent increase in a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Science Secretary Mario Montejo is hopeful the new scheme will ultimately enhance people’s lives as the free service would allow them to check on weather information, education, agricultural resources, commerce, e-government services and employment.