SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the need for a more efficient rollout of the government’s free Wi-Fi program to ensure better internet connectivity in public places, including public schools.

During the budget briefing of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and its attached agencies, Gatchalian inquired about the status of the program’s implementation.

The DICT initially aimed to install free Wi-Fi in 125,000 public places. However, as of now, the program covers only 6,700 public locations with around 13,000 access points.

DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy explained that rolling out the free Wi-Fi program by subscription in all 125,000 public places may not be sustainable, as it would require ₱58 billion annually.

The DICT is exploring more cost-efficient methods for the Wi-Fi rollout. The department estimates that ₱5 billion is needed for the first phase, which will focus on public schools and 300 barangays in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

However, this budgetary requirement is not reflected in the National Expenditure Program, which was already submitted to Congress before negotiations began.

Gatchalian assured the DICT of his support for the agency’s proposal but requested more detailed plans, including timelines and targets.