The Philippines is setting its sights on becoming a leader in internet connectivity within Southeast Asia. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced a goal of reaching the top three by 2028, fueled by continued government investment.
This news comes on the heels of the country’s significant progress. The Philippines climbed from 9th to 6th place in internet penetration within Southeast Asia in just two years, according to DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy.
A significant step forward is the recently approved Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP) valued at USD 288 million.
This flagship project, funded by the World Bank, will focus on completing the national fiber backbone to deliver high-speed internet to underserved regions.
The DICT is also expanding its free Wi-Fi program. Currently, there are over 13,462 hotspots across the country, with over 3,000 situated in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).
The agency has an ambitious target of 125,000 free Wi-Fi sites nationwide by 2028.
Source: PNA
Image: Unsplash
