Tondo residents use piso WiFi vending machines to attend online classes

Several residents in Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila use a piso WiFi vending machine to attend online classes as the country transitions to blended learning amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, one of the residents said the vending machine is a big help in his research work for his online classes.

“Sa eskwelahan din po, nagagamit siya tapos sa YouTube at tsaka ‘pag may sini-search sa Google, mas madali na po,” he said.

Dina Mira, the owner of the vending machine, said the machine is also popular among other residents for entertainment purposes.

“Sa dami po ng tao dito, malakas naman po siya at tsaka nagagamit po siya sa online at tsaka mga YouTube ng mga bata kasi bored sa bahay,” Mira said.

Residents who want to enjoy 10 minutes of WiFi access just need P1, while those who want one hour access will need to pay P5.

Three-hour internet access, meanwhile, costs P10.

Upon availing of the WiFi access, a timer will automatically appear on the customer’s mobile phone.

Customers, however, must stay within the reach of the WiFi or the connection will be lost. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News