Say goodbye to paying crazy amounts of money just to browse Facebook or even browse your favorite websites. Thanks to Smart Telecoms and the government’s Free Wifi Project, Baguio residents will soon have free internet access in the city. With its partnership with PLDT, more and more areas in the City of Pines would become SmartSpots. What is a SmartSpot and when is this going to take effect? Here are some details.
Sen. Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV sponsored the Senate Bill No. 1277 known as the Free Internet Access in Public Act. It was reported in March that it got 18 votes, zero negative vote, and abstention as reported by the Manila Bulletin. In May, the Senate of the Philippines made an official statement saying the bill has been approved by Congress. This approves not only free internet access for every Filipino but guarantees that broadband services would be faster and more efficient.
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law Republic Act 10929 or Free Internet Access Act to promote knowledge enabling citizens to participate in the fast evolving information and communication era.
Free Public Wifi in Baguio City
Recently, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced that the Free Wi-fi Project is now implemented nationwide. The project will install wireless internet access in public areas such as town plazas, parks, government offices, health units, and transport terminals including train stations, seaports, and airports.
The Philippines Information Agency has recently reported that this project is already in the pipelines in Baguio City. This is in partnership with Smart Telecoms and its sister company PLDT. Smart Community Relations Supervisor of North Luzon Nina Escano said that Baguio City Hall and known tourist’s spots like Burnham Park, Session Road, and Mines View connections are already in the works.
The project is also underway for schools like the University of Baguio, Benguet State University, and the Benguet Provincial Capitol as well. Hang out places in Baguio are also turning into SmartSpots. PLDT that launched its 16th SmartSpots in The Camp in Leonard Wood Road on July 21.
Thanks to the Free Internet Access Act and the move to make it nationwide, Baguio City will soon enjoy browsing the internet anytime, anywhere. The best part is, it’s absolutely free! Spread the word.