The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is considering placing a 100-megabyte data cap on free Wi-Fi provided through the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) due to concerns about high usage. The program, which has an annual budget of P2.5 billion, provides internet access in public areas, including government offices and schools, primarily benefiting Filipinos in underserved regions.
According to DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, the free Wi-Fi is often used to stream videos and browse social media, which he believes impacts its sustainability. “Utilization rate of the FPIAP is very high. We need to find ways to regulate the utilization because it is currently unlimited and we notice that they use it for unproductive purposes,” Uy stated.
To maintain and expand the service, the DICT is considering a model where the first 100 MB of data is free, with additional usage incurring a charge. Uy explained, “One of the strategies we are looking at to make it sustainable is your first 100 MB is free, but beyond that, you have to start paying.”
The department may also introduce content restrictions, blocking access to sites that are deemed unproductive and prioritizing students’ data needs.
