More than 15,000 free Internet sites are set to be launched next year in a bid to boost connectivity across the Philippines, Malacañang announced on Monday.

The Office of the Press Secretary, in a statement, said this is among the targets of the Department of Information and Communications Technology for 2023 under its "digital infrastructure thrust."

Other plans of the DICT include the completion of the Broadband ng Masa's Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Phase 1 in the first half of 2023 as well as the improvement of satellite connectivity with Starlink and satellite systems providers and/or operators.

In its accomplishment report, DICT stated that it successfully activated 4,757 live Wi-Fi sites in 17 regions, 75 provinces, and the National Capital Region. This is in addition to 606 cities and municipalities that have undergone digitalization, according to the agency.