DICT to double number of Wi-Fi hotspots by 2025
By Sally Atento-Altea
LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) aims to double the number of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the Bicol region by 2025.
This ambitious plan will see the region boast a total of 2,936 internet access points, significantly expanding digital access for residents.
Currently, there are 1,468 active internet access points in public locations across the region. These include 635 in Camarines Sur, 293 in Sorsogon, and 207 in Albay. Other provinces benefiting from the service include Camarines Norte with 154 access points, Masbate with 153, and Catanduanes with 26.
“We are aiming to double these numbers by 2025 to ensure more public areas have free and accessible Wi-Fi,” said DICT Region 5 Director Rachel Ann Grabador during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas program of the Presidential Communications Office.
Grabador highlighted the availability of free Wi-Fi in various public spaces, including parks, libraries, barangay centers, government offices, public schools, hospitals, state universities, and transport terminals. To ensure the functionality of these hotspots, DICT inspection teams regularly monitor these sites.
“We have tools to check if the free Wi-Fi sites are operational, and we also have engineers stationed in all provinces to inspect and coordinate with our Wi-Fi teams. The public can report any non-working access points through region5@DICT.gov.ph or their local DICT provincial offices,” Grabador explained.
In addition to expanding Wi-Fi hotspots, the DICT is also preparing for the second phase of the National Broadband Plan (NBP), which is scheduled for rollout by 2025. The NBP aims to enhance internet access nationwide by est
“In Bicol, the Phase 2 of the NBP will establish cable landing stations in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon. The NBP outlines the blueprint for a nationwide broadband infrastructure, aiming to build a reliable connectivity backbone through the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies,” Grabador said.
Once completed, the broadband infrastructure will improve internet speed and accessibility, benefiting both government agencies and the growing network of free Wi-Fi sites in the region.
Gerald Jintalan, an information technology professional from Sorsogon, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion of Wi-Fi hotspots.
“I am excited about the government’s plan, especially since we are increasingly relying on technology and the internet these days,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Angel Desaluna, a college student from Legazpi City, shared her gratitude for the free Wi-Fi service near the DICT office, which she frequently uses for online research.
“The free Wi-Fi is a big help, especially when I need to complete assignments. However, it sometimes takes a long time to load, so I hope the DICT can work on improving the connection speed,” she noted.
With the continued expansion of internet infrastructure and free Wi-Fi hotspots, the DICT’s efforts are poised to significantly enhance connectivity and digital access in the Bicol region in the coming years. (With a report from Raiza Lucido/PIA5/Albay)
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