THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology is set to overhaul the Free Wi-Fi Program, citing high costs and inefficiencies in the current setup.

DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy on Monday said the program requires reevaluation and restructuring for a more cost-effective approach.

The government has an annual budget of PHP6.5 billion to cover internet access in over 7,000 locations.

“There are more cost-effective alternatives if we enter into long-term agreements,” Dy said in a press release.

“For instance, we are in discussions with a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) provider for a potential discount to enhance connectivity in schools. The provider has offered an aggregated 200Mbps (MIR) of internet for 10,000 school locations at only PHP1.5 billion per year, provided the procurement is through a 10-year contract,” he added.

In addition to improving school connectivity, DICT plans to use 40,000 locations for broadcasting educational content to enhance digital learning nationwide.

The government is also shifting focus to mobile network expansion.

Dy said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the department to allocate PHP5 billion to the SIM Card ng Bayan Project, which aims to fund the construction of permanent cell towers.

It will support the expansion of permanent cell site towers by subsidizing a portion of the cost for telecommunications companies and common tower providers.

The subsidy will be provided in the form of free 25-gigabyte internet subscriptions for students within the coverage of the towers.DICT sees the Common Tower Program as a long-term solution to expand mobile network coverage and broadband access.

“The SIM Card ng Bayan Project is a more sustainable alternative to the Free Wi-Fi Program,” Dy said.