Free wi-fi access in Metro Manila soon?

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Recto has filed a bill requiring the government to provide free public wireless internet access in Metro Manila.

Senate Bill 2232 or the proposed "Free Metro Manila WiFi Act of 2014" states that the government shall provide public buildings, parks and national roads in the metropolis with broadband hotspots that will offer a stable internet connection to encourage discourse and trade in internet-related goods, services and content.

Areas that will be provided with broadband hotspots include national and local government offices, public hospitals and health centers, public schools including state colleges and universities, public parks, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, public libraries, tollways and expressways, Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and other national roads, public transport terminals, the Port of Manila and railway stations, including those of MRT and LRT.

Under the bill, these public spaces shall be ensured a range of broadband hotspots within a period of two years.

Internet connection to any of the broadband hotspots in the designated public spaces shall not be restricted with passwords and no fees should be collected from users.

The amount needed for the immediate implementation of proposed law will be obtained from the available funds of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) or the overall savings under the current national budget or General Appropriations Act.

In the bill's explanatory note, Recto lamented that there is a low priority given to broadband internet infrastructure in the Philippines.

He said the country will be able to further establish itself as an emerging economy if a public broadband internet infrastructure will be in place beginning with the National Capital Region (NCR).

"Connectivity to the internet will enhance business growth opportunities and will assure citizens in NCR ease of
sourcing timely information at the click of a button," Recto said.

With internet connectivity, Recto said residents and visitors of the region will have access to critical information anytime such as traffic situations, latest weather advisories, prime commodity price fluctuations and updates on government services such as issuances of documents.

Recto added that providing free internet access to public buildings and facilities in Metro Manila will also ensure that the country's growing labor force will be updated with employment opportunities.

"Allowing free wireless internet access in key public places in NCR means providing access to the underserved in our society, including getting low-income people online," Recto explained. - Louis Bacani