Free Internet access in public places for Pinoys
Filipinos can enjoy free Internet access in public places across the country based on a new law signed by President Duterte.
The President has signed Republic Act No. 10929 establishing the free
internet access program in government offices, public schools, hospitals, airports, seaports, transport terminals, and other public places.
The new law, also known as “Free Internet Access in Public, aims “to promote knowledge building among citizens and enable them to participate and compete in evolving information and communication age.”
“The State hereby recognizes the vital role of information and communications technology in nation-building, and declares its policy to promote an environment for the development of structures that would ensure the availability and accessibility to reliable and secure internet access suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation,” the law read.
Under the new law, free Internet must be provided in national and local government offices; public basic education institutions; state universities and colleges; public hospitals and health centers; public parks, plazas, and libraries; public airports and seaports; and public transport terminals.
The free Internet service will also be separate from the service for computer systems in government offices. Technical solutions that may limit or restrict access may only be employed when there is clear and present risk or breach.
Prohibited access Access to pornographic websites shall be prohibited under the free Internet program. Government standards will also be established to protect the rights and welfare of children.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has also been designated as lead agency to oversee the effective and efficient implementation of the law.
With a year from the effectivity of the law, the DICT must develop a “comprehensive plan” for the timely and effective implementation of free Internet program. A “Free Public Internet Access Fund’ will also be created to provide financing for the program.
The DICT must also prescribe policies and regulations, enter into contracts, and arrange funding for the free Internet access program. It must also undertake the establishment, maintenance and operation of infrastructure equipment systems needed for the free internet access in public places.
The DICT must also ensure the minimum Internet speed per user is two megabits per second (2 Mbps) or as prescribed by the National Broadband Plan.
To promote an efficient and costeffective delivery of free internet program, the DICT may partner with the private sector in the free Internet program. The law however prohibited any unfair methods of competition and exclusivity arrangement in favor of a single telecommunications entity to promote free and unrestricted access to public places.
National government agencies and local government units have also been directed to coordinate with DICT and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in streamlining application renewal, permit approval, among others, in the effective implementation of the new law. They must align or enroll their respective programs providing free access to Internet service.