Use of P6.5-B fund for free WiFi to be recalibrated

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is recalibrating the use of P6.5 billion in funds for the free WiFi program to expand its coverage and minimize costs.

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

Information Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy yesterday said the DICT would change its approach in giving out free internet to cover more at the same price.

The DICT is currently spending P6.5 billion every year to sustain WiFi sites in more than 7,000 locations, an expenditure that Dy said can be lowered if the agency enters into long-term deals.

Dy is negotiating with a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider willing to extend discounts for the provision of free internet in schools. The provider can offer 200 Mbps level of connectivity for 10,000 schools at P1.5 billion, provided the agreement lasts for at least 10 years.