DICT partners with UN’s global dev’t network to fast-track free WiFi roll-out

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Wednesday said it has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to fast-track the roll-out of its Pipol Konek, which provides free WiFi internet access in public areas.

“Today 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,” DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio said during the signing ceremony on March 22.

UNDP Philippine Country Office Resident Representative Titon Mitra, for his part, said the agency's experience with international models and the government’s acquaintance of the local context would result in an effective partnership with the DICT.

"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.

Following the signing ceremony of the partnership, UNDP is set to conduct area-based network analysis of target sites, oversee monitoring of project impact, and continue to provide technical training to achieve the expected outputs.

The DICT inscribed the assistance of UNDP on September 26, 2018, not only to expedite the rollout of Free Wi-Fi but also to assist in the capacity-building initiatives of stakeholders involved in project management. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News