DOST launches 6 free Wi-Fi hotspots

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opened six free Wi-Fi hotspots in Quezon City and Manila yesterday.

The opening of the free Wi-Fi hotspots was one of the main activities at the start of the DOST’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Undersecretary Louis Napoleon Casambre, Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) executive director, said the P1.4-billion project seeks to set up 967 Wi-Fi hotspots all over the country.

He said the success of the nationwide rollout will depend on the private sector’s participation in the setup of the infrastructure.

The six Wi-Fi hotspots opened to the public yesterday are in Rizal Park, Quezon City Hall, Quezon Memorial Circle, Philippine Coconut Authority building on Elliptical Road and the Land Transportation Office and Social Security System buildings on East Avenue.

The ICTO is using television white space technology to provide the Internet connectivity for the project, especially in underserved or unserved areas.

The speed is dependent on the number of users accessing the hotspot at the same time, the DOST said, adding that each hotspot can accommodate up to 105,000 concurrent users.

Electric road train a hit

Another DOST project that has attracted the attention of local government officials is the electric road train (ERT).

DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said they were very bullish on the adoption of the ERT technology they have developed, but the train is being tested for roadworthiness.

“The adoption, it will come. It’s being very seriously considered by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. Clark Development Corp. (CDC) is very, very interested. They already want to sign us up (for a partnership),” Montejo told reporters.

The DOST also signed a memorandum of understanding to set up an ERT line in Cebu City.

The DOST offers demonstration rides to select visitors at the NSTW.

Designed by Filipino engineers and made with locally available parts, the 40-meter long train-like bus is an alternative means of transportation and is being touted by the DOST as a possible answer to the mass transportation problem that is reaching crisis levels, especially in Metro Manila.