PLDT backs free WiFi for state-run colleges

MANILA, Philippines —  The largest Philippine telco is backing the activation of free internet sites across all state universities and colleges (SUCs) to support the educational requirements of students.

In a statement, PLDT issued a call for the public and private sectors to provide full connectivity for all SUCs across the archipelago by 2025.

PLDT chief operating officer Menardo Jimenez Jr. said the telco believes it is high time for every SUC to have its own free WiFi site that can serve the connectivity needs of students.

PLDT, through its corporate arm PLDT Enterprise, has activated more than 1,000 WiFi sites for over 220 tertiary schools. The coverage reaches at least 60 provinces, allowing students and teachers to access the internet when at school.

However, PLDT believes it would be challenging to accomplish the task of linking schools to the internet all on its own. Jimenez said public and private resources have to be maximized to maintain the existing sites and reach new institutions.

“Continued support is necessary to maintain this transformative initiative, and we are calling for renewed efforts to make digital education accessible in all SUCs by 2025,” Jimenez said.

Apart from this, Jimenez said PLDT boss Manuel V. Pangilinan himself wants to put up as many internet sites as possible in educational institutions.

Pangilinan, a known champion for online adoption, is also promoting similar efforts to bridge the digital gap, such as reducing the cost of 5G handsets.