Moves to roll out free public wifi across the Philippines are moving on apace.
The Senate is expected to approve a bill today (Monday, March 13) before returning it to the House of Representatives for a second reading.
Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, the sponsor of the act, believes Senate Bill Number 1277 or the ‘Free Internet Access in Public Places Act’ is almost certain to make swift progress.
“Under this act, all national and local government offices, public schools – from elementary to tertiary – public transport terminals, public hospitals, and public libraries will have free internet access,” he said.
Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas said his fellow representatives were ready to approve the second reading by Wednesday. He also said it certain to be approved on the third and final reading when the house reconvenes on May 2.
Rep Fariñas added that both the House and Senate leadership consider the act to be a “priority bill”.
Under the terms of the bill, the speed would be a minimum of 10mbps, it would be offered with the need for passwords and data would be protected in accordance with existing laws.
More than 1.7 billion pesos has been earmarked for the project.
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