City Hall, Smart ink deal for free Wi-Fi at library
Free Wi-Fi access is now available for visitors of the Cebu City Public Library and Information Center.
Officials of the City Government yesterday entered into and signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Smart Communication Inc. for the implementation of a free Wi-Fi access inside the facility.
Under the MOA, Smart pledged to provide up to 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi access daily to all library patrons. They will also deliver an internet bandwidth of 200 megabits per second at no cost to the City.
The service provider will also provide a co-branded landing page and service set identifier (SSID).
The City, for its part, will allow authorized Smart agents to do repair, maintenance and upgrade works in accordance to the security and safety rules and regulations of the facility.
The City will also allow Smart to use its product image on the co-branded SSID.
Ramon Isberto, PLDT-Smart public affairs head, said that giving visitors “the best digital experience” will help them maximize their time at the library.
“When you install services like this in a library, kids who come here will have the benefit of both worlds. If you have a good Wi-Fi access, you can access a global library online,” he said.
Isberto also asked chief librarian Rosario Chua to include lessons on responsible online usage, especially for youngsters, in the educational materials offered inside the facility.
Councilor Margarita Osmeña, who attended the turnover ceremony on behalf of Mayor Tomas Osmeña, said the participation of stakeholders will help provide better educational facilities.
“It’s really you’re right to learn and have better education. Whatever the City can do for you, it would do but we can’t do it alone and that is why we have our partners here. Today, we see a library that is actually alive,” she said.
The councilor said she looks forward to more partnerships with Smart, especially on the expansion of study centers in the city’s villages. /