FREE WI-FI spots are now available in the provinces of Catanduanes and Sorsogon, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said.

All localities in Catanduanes now have access to free internet through DICT’s Free Wi-Fi for All Program. The program allows residents, especially those in isolated and disadvantaged areas, to access data and information.

“Your DICT recognizes that connectivity is imperative in driving economic growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation, hence we are striving to reach more areas and connect more people,” DICT Undersecretary Jose Arturo De Castro said.

Currently, there are 146 Free Wi-Fi for All hotspots in 69 locations in Catanduanes — 26 in schools, 70 in national government agencies, 27 in public hospitals and health care units and 23 in public plazas and open areas.

Meanwhile, there are now 397 hotspots in 253 locations in Sorsogon.

Of the number, 89 are situated in schools, 178 in NGAs and Local Government Units, 88 in hospitals and 42 in public plazas.

“In alignment with our mission of providing every Filipino with access to vital ICT info-structure and services, we have worked on enabling the provision of internet connectivity even up to the Island Province of Catanduanes,” DICT LC3 Director Cheryl Ortega said.

“Moving forward, our cluster is committed into connecting the remote and isolated areas, thus aiming for 100 percent provision of Free Wi-Fi for All in all municipalities throughout the Mimaropa and Bicol Regions,” she added.

The Free Wi-Fi for All Program is one of the DICT’s flagship programs that aims to provide free internet access in public places nationwide.

As of October 26, there were 11,400 Free Wi-Fi for All sites nationwide.