Wi-fi access nationwide pushed

MANILA, Philippines - A party-list representative is seeking the creation of a nationwide wi-fi or wireless Internet network.

Delphine Gan Lee of party-list group AGRI has filed a bill that would link all towns and their constituents through the Internet.

The measure seeks to establish a municipal wi-fi program, the cost of which would be shared 50-50 by the national government and the local government unit (LGU) concerned.

Once built, the LGU may offer its constituents free use of the network.

Lee said there is a need to expand wi-free access in the country, since Internet connection brings about progress to communities and people.

She said investors and travelers would prefer to go to a town or city with online connection than to one without a wi-fi network.

As of now, she said there are more than 33 million active Internet users in the country.

“In the Southeast Asia region, the Philippines is considered the fastest growing Internet audience and Filipinos are more likely to browse a social networking site as compared to the entire world,” she added.

Lee explained that her proposed municipal wi-fi program “is the idea of converting an entire town into a wireless access zone, generally done by providing broadband thru wi-fi to the main areas or all of the municipal area by creating a wireless mesh network.

“The usual design utilizes hundreds of routers deployed outdoors. The network operator acts as a wireless Internet service provider. Wireless communication is critical for public safety. First responders can set up an instant network at the scene of an incident with a wireless mesh,” she said.

She said government employees could do their jobs more efficiently if they have wi-fi link out in the field, which allows instant access to important records and databases for tax collectors, auditors and building inspectors.

“The possibilities are limitless. We are a wired country and this measure will serve a big number of Filipinos and integrate those who cannot afford to pay for an Internet connection with those who can,” she said.

In her bill, the National Computer Center (NCC) would be the lead agency in evaluating and studying the feasibility of building a wi-fi network in each town or city.

The NCC would be mandated to promote the growth of wi-fi technology nationwide.

The measure defines wi-fi as “a wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide high-speed network and Internet connections.”

The measure appropriates P500 million to subsidize towns that would build their wi-fi networks.

The Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Transportation and Communications would be tasked to issue implementing rules and regulations.