Project free Wi-Fi in provinces hampered by failed bidding

MANILA, Philippines — The P2.3-billion free public Wi-Fi project in the provinces encountered problems last month due to failure of bidding of some of the project’s components.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) assured Filipinos that the project would push through despite issues on the procurement process.

“The DICT’s vision to establish a provincial Wi-Fi infrastructure network will continue despite the recent development in its procurement process,” the agency said, adding it is procuring 82 lots for 82 provinces for the realization of the Pipol Konek-Free Wi-Fi public places project.

The Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC), the state-owned corporation handling the bidding for the project, said that some bids failed because of minor documentary deficiencies of some bidders.

“The decisions are currently under appeal,” the DICT said as it expressed confidence that more bidders will join the second round of bidding.