The national government is spending another P2.5 billion to install additional access points where Filipinos can enjoy password-free Internet Wi-fi connectivity, a member of the House Committee on Appropriations said on Monday.
Free Wi-Fi hot spots are particularly helpful, considering that 73 percent of Filipinos use their mobile phones to access the Internet, Rillo pointed out. Under Republic Act No. 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Law of 2017, the DICT, through the FPIAP, is mandated to provide free Internet connectivity in public places.
The total available appropriations, including automatic appropriations for DICT and its attached agencies for 2023 will amount to P9.82 billion, lower by P5 billion or by 33.8 percent compared with P14.84 billion in 2022.