Philippines taps UNDP to accelerate free Wi-Fi rollout
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The Philippines’ Department of ICT (DICT) has signed a partnership agreement with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aimed at fast-tracking the deployment of free Wi-Fi access in public places.
Under the agreement, the UNDP will provide support for the government’s Pipol Konek – Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places Project.
The UNDP will conduct area-based network analysis of target sites, oversee monitoring of project impact, and continue to provide technical training to stakeholders involved in the rollout.
The UNDP and the DICT will meanwhile jointly take charge of project oversight. The project participants plan to hold workshops and consultative meetings to address the challenges with the rollout and investigate potential solutions.
The DICT sought the assistance of the UNDP in September last year to expedite the project and aid in the capacity-building initiatives of the companies involved in the rollout. A formal signing ceremony was held last week during the first project board meeting.
“Today as we set to seal this meeting of minds, the Department is optimistic that our goals of providing free Internet access and promoting knowledge-building among our citizens will soon be realized,” DICT acting secretary Eliseo M Rio Jr said at the signing ceremony.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary objective of this new partnership between the DICT and the UNDP?
What is the primary objective of this new partnership between the DICT and the UNDP?
The main goal is to accelerate the rollout of free Wi-Fi access in public places across the Philippines. This initiative falls under the government’s Pipol Konek project.
Q.What specific support will the UNDP offer to the free Wi-Fi project?
What specific support will the UNDP offer to the free Wi-Fi project?
The UNDP will conduct area-based network analysis for target sites, monitor the project's impact, and provide technical training to involved stakeholders. They will also jointly oversee the project with DICT.
Q.When did the DICT first approach the UNDP for assistance with this project?
When did the DICT first approach the UNDP for assistance with this project?
The DICT initially sought the UNDP's help in September of last year. Their aim was to speed up the project and support capacity-building efforts for participating companies.
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