The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is pushing for the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy Act and the expansion of its Free Wi-Fi for All program to improve the country’s mobile connectivity.
This comes after the Philippines’ ranking in the 2025 GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index (MCI) report dropped 0.52 points to 67.69 out of 100.
“While this marks a slight decline from the previous year, it serves as a timely reminder of the work that remains in achieving universal, reliable, and affordable digital access for all Filipinos,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said in a statement.
Aguda said the report is viewed “not as a setback, but as a guide that reinforces our focus on closing the digital divide, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to have an inclusive and digitally connected Philippines.”
The DICT said it is pushing for the passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act to promote open-access policies, infrastructure sharing among telecommunications providers and the streamlining of permitting processes for broadband rollout.
“By lowering operational barriers and fostering competition, the measure is expected to reduce internet costs by 2028, while accelerating the deployment of high-quality connectivity across urban and rural areas alike,” Aguda said.
The department is also expanding its Free Wi-Fi for All program, particularly in remote and underserved communities. This is complemented by “ongoing digital literacy and capacity-building initiatives that empower Filipinos to make full use of connectivity once it becomes available,” Aguda said.
The GSMA Index identified affordability, infrastructure, access and digital skills as key areas of concern. Aguda noted that the DICT is directly addressing these through its “legislative, operational, and community-driven programs.”
“As we move forward, the DICT remains committed to making connectivity more affordable, reliable, and accessible for all Filipinos, especially the underserved,” Aguda said.
“DICT will continue to push for stronger digital foundations to ensure no one is left offline,” he said.
