 |
| An advertisement announcing the passing of Senate Bill No. 1277 providing free nationwide Internet access (Image Source: RalphRecto.ph) |
The "Free Internet Access in Public Places Act" is slated to expand the reach of free public WiFi hotspots across all parts of the country which began about two years ago. These hotspots would include government offices, public schools, public parks and plazas, terminals, and more as mandated by the said act. Also mandated in the law is the 2 Mbps minimum internet access provided per user. With the new law in place, it is hopeful that government services will be accelerated with faster internet service. The new act would also benefit the local telecommunications industry as public-private partnerships are being explored in the proposed bill.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology may need to work with the private sector to implement the said act and ensure faster and reliable internet services in the country. It is also tasked to streamline the process of application, release and renewal of permits and licenses needed for the construction of infrastructure with the support of concerned national and local government agencies. It would be an interesting case that would probably be a win-win solution for both the government and the telecommunications industry if it begins its full implementation. Furthermore, the streamlining would help improve the reliability of internet access in every Filipino home considering that it has always been disrupted by slowdowns and network interruptions.
These are the two sides of the Free Internet Access Act, and our efforts of making our digital lifestyle experience will not go to waste if this becomes a law.
