DICT kicks off free Wi-Fi rollout

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has expanded its digital transformation initiative through Bayanihan SIM Project, which plans free Wi-Fi rollout across the country.

The contract for Juansim ng Bayan Program or Bayanihan SIM Project has been awarded based on competitive bidding under Republic Act No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act.

The DICT said that the bidding results were based on “better value for money” than prevailing market rates, implying a transparent and competitive procurement for greater public advantage.

The Bayanihan SIM Project is a three-year initiative that aims to improve internet access to the education sector.

This initiative is seen to benefit 697,780 people nationwide via free Wi-Fi and low-cost connectivity, while prioritizing hard-reach communities.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said that the project is a manifestation of a smarter innovation without spending more.

“We’re done talking about the digital divide—now we’re closing it, one connection at a time,” said Aguda.

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Aguda associated this project with the broader initiative of Digital Bayanihan, which aims to bridge the digital gap.

“When we combine transparency with technology, we get what I call Digital Bayanihan: government and industry moving together to connect every Filipino,” Aguda added.

In an earlier meeting headed by the Private Sector Advisory Council, the DICT along with President Marcos, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other major fixed line telcos, discussed a similar initiative through “Konektadong CHED,” aiming to benefit the education sector.