DICT accelerates Free WiFi rollout, eyes 50K public hotspots

DAVAO CITY (May 1) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is accelerating efforts to provide free internet access nationwide, aiming to expand public WiFi hotspots from 18,000 to 50,000.

Secretary Henry Aguda said the program supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive of “no Filipino left behind or left offline,” stressing that universal and safe internet access must become a reality for every citizen.

“When President Marcos invited me to the Cabinet, his marching order was clear: every Filipino should be online, and every Filipino should feel safe online,” Aguda said.

The Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) mandates the delivery of free internet services in public spaces. To help meet this goal, the DICT is also launching ‘JuanSIM ng Bayan’, which will distribute one million free SIM cards to disadvantaged communities, with a priority on schools without internet access. The initiative is expected to benefit around five million Filipinos.

In collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), DICT will also deploy satellite internet to connect 10,000 to 15,000 remote schools by the next school year.

“All available technologies will be deployed this year,” Aguda said, highlighting the urgency of connecting education facilities, he emphasized.

Aguda also addressed growing concerns over cybersecurity, promising stronger policies to combat online scams, hacking, and financial crimes.

“The internet should be a tool for education, business, and connecting Filipinos abroad — not for malicious activities,” he emphasized.

DICT’s expanded connectivity push and upcoming cybersecurity measures reflect the Marcos administration’s drive to build a safer, more inclusive digital Philippines.