by Aerol John Pateña/PNA
MANILA — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has partnered with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for the rollout of free Wi-Fi internet services in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DICT said it signed an agreement with the UNDP to expedite the implementation of the Pipol Konek Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places Project last Friday.
The signing was led by DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr. and UNDP Philippine Country Office Resident Representative Titon Mitra.
“As we set to seal this meeting of minds, the Department is optimistic that our goals of providing free internet access and promoting knowledge-building among our citizens will soon be realized,” Rio said.
Under the agreement, the UNDP will conduct an area-based network analysis of target sites for Wi-Fi hotspots, oversee monitoring of project impact, and continue to provide technical training to achieve the expected outputs.
“Access to the internet is access to services and information. UNDP is pleased to assist DICT to meet the national objective of bridging the digital divide and leaving no one behind,” Mitra said.
The DICT has sought the assistance of the UNDP in September last year to fast-track the rollout of free Wi-Fi in the country and to provide capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders involved in project management.
The UN body was also involved in the exploration of international partners through proposed convergence initiatives.
