DICT eyes full school net access by year-end

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has committed to providing 100 percent internet connectivity in public schools by the end of the year, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, Secretary Henry Aguda said Thursday.

In a radio interview, Aguda said the initiative is part of the government’s mandate to provide free internet access in public spaces, as stated by law.

“According to President Marcos, 60 percent connectivity in public schools is insufficient. There should be 100 percent accessibility, so we will now be going around with the DepEd to ensure this,” he said in Filipino.

Aguda noted that the DICT previously spent around ₱60,000 per month to operate the free Wi-Fi program, largely due to outdated technology.

“The budget for the free Wi-Fi program is ₱5 billion, which is enough to cover the entire Philippines. Next year, we may no longer request additional funding, but we plan to increase the number of beneficiaries,” he explained, adding that improvements in technology could reduce costs by up to 90 percent.

Currently, about 50,000 schools still lack free Wi-Fi access, and around 20,000 have yet to be reached by the DICT.

Aguda said the DICT has committed to President Marcos that connectivity will be provided to all areas by the end of the year.