Internet breakthroughs and barriers

Just as the 5th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Digital Minister's Meeting hosted by Thailand ended a few days ago, I am taking this opportunity to discuss notable breakthroughs letting us slowly but steadily achieve universal, uninterrupted and free internet in the Philippines.

- BRIAN POE LLAMANZARES

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) now has greater capacity to fulfill the vision of the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act (RA 10929) through the tripling of its budget from P2.5 billion to P7.5 billion. Apart from maintaining free internet connection to over 13,000 existing access sites across the country (e.g., schools, public buildings), the additional funding for the Free Wifi For All program lets the DICT expand to more sites and reach rural marginalized areas and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Over 25 million Filipinos in 7,000 barangays are in GIDAs. As of June 2024, DICT's program has directly benefitted eight million Filipinos in isolated barangays. 2025's tripled budget should see an encouraging uptick in beneficiaries and more Filipinos having an easier time connecting to the internet, whether it be for entertainment, health, school or work.