The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is seeking for an additional budget to improve connectivity services through its various programs.
Under the National Broadband Program of the DICT, the development of fiber optic cable and wireless technology is aimed at improving internet services in the country. Due to geographical challenges, the activation of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Project that will connect fiber optics in Baler, Aurora and San Fernando, La Union will only take place under Phase I of the National Broadband Program.
This is expected to provide bandwidth of 2 terabits per second. Phase I is also meant to cover government offices in Regions 3, 4, and NCR for 2020, while Phase II is anticipated to roll out next year with expanded coverage.
However, DICT Secretary Gringo Honasan explained that the number of permits “to build something in any locality” is posing a huge challenge. Despite its limited budget, the DICT assured it is doing everything, including the assistance to distance learning.
“Nag-distribute ho kami ng tablets at saka pocket Wi-Fi (We have distributed tablets and pocket Wi-Fi). These are the best efforts given our limited resources that we are trying to undertake para may mangyari naman po (to make something possible),” Honasan stated.
Meanwhile, Honasan has admitted that his earlier remark on the internet speed in the country was not quite right. “Not yet that good, but we are trying to improve it. Huwag naman ‘yung (It should not be) ‘not that bad’,” Honasan stated. – Report from Eunice Samonte
