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Free public WiFi bill up for Senate deliberation


Free internet in public places, including schools and terminals, is now closer to reality with a Senate bill up for plenary approval by January. 

Senate Committee Report No. 19 sponsored by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, chairman of the Senate committees on Education, and Science and Technology, proposing Senate Bill No. 1277 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act has already been signed by 17 senators. 

The proposal seeks to provide free internet access in all national and local government offices; public schools, including state colleges and universities; public hospitals and health centers; public parks, plazas, and libraries; and airports, seaports, and transport terminals. 

Highlighting the importance of the measure, Aquino said only 52.6 percent of Filipinos so far have access to the Internet. 

“Now is the time to invest completely in developing internet quality and bringing this powerful tool to every port, every station, every park, every museum, and every classroom in the Philippines,” the senator said. 

Under the measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be mandated to craft a plan and a timeline for the rollout of this program. 

The program shall involve the establishment of the infrastructure, installation of equipment, and the creation of an online platform and application necessary to provide free internet access to the public. 

Minority Leader Ralph Recto, who co-sponsored the measure, said Internet access is a form of “liberation technology.” 

He said it was “a tool in the pursuit of employment, education, happiness, and to combat ignorance, fear, poverty and hunger.”

Recto further said it is equally important that Filipinos enjoy fast Internet speed. 

“How do we let thousands of free WiFi spots bloom? By fixing the upstream first. If this bill will provide the gateway and the impetus for reforms, propelled by the critical mass of users, then it is the greatest-value service it can provide,” Recto pointed out. 

He said expanding the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) capability will boost jobs and the economy.

“This bill goes beyond installing taxpayer funded free WiFi spots. Like the creation of the DICT, it forms part of the must-dos to future-proof our country. It is one of the important apps for tomorrow,” Recto added. 

The bill will be voted upon by the Senate when session resumes on January 16. — TJD, GMA News

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