The Broadband ng Masa Program is an opportunity to bridge the gap between those who can afford internet access and those who cannot
The recent announcement of the Department of Budget Management’s approved release of P2.5 billion for the implementation of the Free Public Internet Access Program under the Broadband ng Masa Program is a great start for what I hope will be sustained and growing government-led investment in the country’s digital infrastructure.
Though this allocation is just about 2 PERCENT of the approximately P127 billion that leading private telcos spent for upgrading and expanding their networks in the first nine months of 2023, it is an encouraging sign that expanding connectivity, especially in underserved areas, is now in focus.
Unlike the previous administrations that just passed the burden of building capital-intensive telecommunications infrastructure to the private telcos, which should be recognized for upgrading broadband speeds faster than 93 Mbps (Ookla, January 2024), the President Marcos Jr. administration is allocating substantial funds for middle mile, and last mile digital infrastructures that will deliver free internet access in public spaces.
In a published statement, Budget Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman said, “This funding is crucial because the internet is central to our emerging new age— the digital era. It is the backbone of our modern world. It connects us and makes everything more convenient, powering education, economy, health care, public safety, and even government services.”
As the implementer of the FPIAP, the Department of Information and Communications Technology is targeting to double the 25,000 free wi-fi sites already up in 2023.
DICT Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. said the BBMP “will boost the government’s e-LGU program, which streamlines or simplifies the processing of business licenses, occupancy permits, and other permits through digitalization.”
The beneficial impact of free connectivity in public spaces will empower the people and will result in socio-economic values that are as essential as power and water utilities.
An obvious example is how everyone who has a smartphone needs to be connected all the time to the internet.
Public places like restaurants, malls, and parks tend to attract more foot traffic when there is free wi-fi.
This stimulates the local businesses with more walk-in customers who want to stick around then spend their time and money because they can do whatever online stuff they want.
Free wi-fi will further enable all forms of online transaction such as e-commerce, e-banking, and especially the government’s rollout of eLGU which aims to streamline processes for business licenses, occupancy permits, and other permits and hasten the digitalization of all local government units.
Free connectivity is a must-have amenity in any tourist destination as this serves as a digital tether that any traveler requires to stay connected to loved ones or the workplace.
A reliable connection makes visitors feel safe and more secure knowing that in case of an emergency, one can always call for assistance or in extreme scenarios, can call out to be rescued.
As the name suggests, the Broadband ng Masa Program will be a zero-cost option for people to benefit from fast internet connections – giving access to all the opportunities of a global digital economy and helping address the tendency of creating a digital divide because of the high local cost of internet services which according to the 2022 Global System for Mobile Communications Mobile association Connectivity Index, is the third worst in terms of affordability.
International think tank, Stratbase Institute president Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, in a recently published statement, said, “Prohibitive connectivity costs cut off a large part of the population from the benefits of digitalization, because such costs now have to compete with other basic goods that must be obtained in order to live.
“This will ultimately negate other key factors such as infrastructure and consumer readiness.”
The Broadband ng Masa Program is an opportunity to bridge the gap between those who can afford internet access and those who cannot. It will ensure that everyone has equal opportunities for information and communication.
It encourages people to gather, share ideas, collaborate, and participate in the digital economy. It strengthens community bonds, enhances government services, and will be critical in times of emergency.
A synergized approach by the government and the private sector telcos to accelerate digital infrastructure investments will ensure that there is a balance in urgency, inclusiveness, and cybersecurity, in our journey towards systemic digital transformation.