WiFi scam haunts gov’t

As internet access becomes increasingly essential, state investigators are looking into a problem many Filipinos experience but often overlook — slow and unreliable WiFi service.

On 18 September, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced that the anti-graft body had formally launched a fact-finding investigation into what it described as “ghost internet,” allegedly arising from an anomalous scheme involving network service providers.

Clavano said the alleged scheme involved providers supplying the government with substandard equipment and software while charging the full contract price.

He said the problem had often gone undetected because deficiencies were discovered only after the systems had already broken down, with no personnel specifically tasked with checking the software component.

The investigation seeks to determine how the alleged deficiencies occurred and whether government funds were improperly spent on equipment and software that failed to deliver the services promised.

“A contractor can install cheaper, outdated or even fake software while still charging the government full price for the real thing. Because nobody verifies the software after the hardware is approved, the overpricing goes undetected,” the official said.

Citing areas that provide “free wi-fi” as an example, he said some places had routers in place to give the impression of service when, in fact, no actual internet was being distributed.