Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14) — The government is planning to complete two connectivity projects by 2026 to expand internet services to remote areas, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Saturday.
“The National Fiber Backbone is now 70% (accomplished) in Luzon. The target is by 2026, matapos natin (we will finish) from North Luzon to Mindanao,” DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Dy told reporters.
He added that the government will also start with phases two and three of the procurement activities, which will cover Visayas and Mindanao broadband connectivity.
The National Fiber Backbone program is part of the National Broadband Plan that began in 2017.
Uy said the government is also targeting to construct 110,000 free Wi-Fi sites worth ₱50 billion by the end of 2026 or by the middle of 2027.
The Free Wi-Fi for All Project aims to provide internet connectivity in public places, including parks, municipal halls and public schools.
Uy said this year, the government aims to establish 8,000 free Wi-Fi sites in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
“By next year, ang target po natin ay 15,000 barangays,” he said. “We are hoping to cover 110,000 sites all in all – ibig sabihin, may mga barangay that will have more than one or two sites sa free Wi-Fi.”
[Translation: By next year, our target is 15,000 barangays. We are hoping to cover 110,000 sites all in all – it means there are barangays that will have more than one or two sites of free Wi-Fi.]
Free Wi-Fi spots were launched in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi on Saturday.
