DEPARTMENT of Information ang Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Ramon ‘RJ’ Jacinto has proposed the construction of more cell sites to ensure internet access for every Filipino.

This as Jacinto noted that most students lack access to stable internet connection despite alternative learning modules.

Jacinto cited the need for more cell site as the existing ones are already congested due to the high number of users.

“In other countries you have 1,200 to 1,500 users or customers per cell site. Here we have more than 4,000 so that creates traffic,” he said.

Jacinto added that 45 percent of Filipinos do not have internet access, while 61 percent of households and 74 percent of all public schools don’t have connectivity.

The DICT official bared the country needs to have 50,000 cell sites so that all Filipinos could enjoy good internet service. As of now, the Philippines has 20,000 cell sites but about half of it are duplications’ and not counted as real cell sites, he added.

An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 more are needed to service the country’s 106 million Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Jacinto said DICT’s free wi-fi project in public places has been doing well with more than 4,000 connections installed nationwide. The undertaking targets to install 10,000 wi-fi by the end of 2020 and 104,000 hotspots in 2023.

Jacinto stressed that internet connectivity is useless without users with smartphones, noting that only 40 percent of Filipinos has smartphones..

To remedy this, Jacinto suggested that each barangay be given access to smartphones which could be sold to residents on installment basis.

“Internet improves acces to education and information equalizes opportunities,” he emphasized.