The House of Representatives has transmitted to the Senate a proposed measure that seeks to provide free public wireless internet access in public buildings, terminals, parks and plazas nationwide.
This developed as Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, principal author of House Bill 5791, or “The proposed Free Public Wi-Fi Act” expressed hope that senators would give due consideration to the proposal that intends to address the country’s problem of interconnectivity by providing free public access point in all major public places.
HB 5791 titled “An Act providing free public wireless internet access in public buildings, terminal, parks and plazas throughout the country.”
The bill mandates the installation of broadband hotspots in the following areas: all national government offices; buildings of state universities and colleges; public parks and plazas; public hospitals and public transportation terminals.
Once enacted, Ridon, said the measure shall mandate that access to the internet connections shall not be restricted with password, except when there is a clear and present security or technical risk.
“Within a period of two years —from effectivity of this Act—once approved into law, all public spaces as stated in this Act shall be ensured a range of broadband hotspots,” Ridon said.
Likewise, the measure provides that the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) be the lead implementing agency of the proposed Act, he said.