900 towns to get free Wi-Fi this year

By Eva Visperas

DAGUPAN CITY – At least 900 poor towns will get free Wi-Fi services before the end of the year under the Juan Konek Digital Empowerment program. 

Eric Toledo, project director and manager, said during his visit to the city library here on Wednesday that they are rolling out the needed infrastructure.  

Juan Konek is a 24/7 free Wi-Fi connectivity program prioritizing low-income and underserved communities.

Toledo said free Wi-Fi would be installed in public schools, plazas, rural health units as well as libraries and other public places.

He said 100 municipalities would initially benefit from the project next month. He said they are conducting tests in 13 towns in Pangasinan and in Tarlac.

A P1.4-billion budget was allotted for the project in third to sixth class municipalities and another P1.6 billion for first and second class municipalities.

Toledo said free Wi-Fi would be available in more areas next year.

The project, which is being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology, aims to provide free Internet access in 1,462 towns and 44 key cities.