DAVAO CITY- The Department of Information Communications Technology ( DICT) has launched the Broadband ng Masa (BBM) or the Free Internet Access Program in Public Places at the USEP (University of Southeastern Philippines) Barrio Obrero Campus here in Davao City.

Under the Free Internet Access Program, USEP will have two free Wi-Fi hotspots; one hotspot is located in the College of Engineering Building, and one in the College of Technology Building.

Each hotspot has a capacity of 100-500 Mbps speed and is designed to provide learners access to the internet that will help them in their studies.

“The speed will depend on the extent of the bandwidth, based on the information I received 100mbps up to 500 Mbps. Walang data cap but we have to manage it properly we don’t want it to be abused,” says DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy.

“Kung binigyan mo ng access at walang mga control baka video streaming at downloading ng mga movies at napakalaking mga bandwidth ang makukuha niyan,” Sec. Uy said.

He added that several websites such as gambling sites cannot be accessed at the Wi-Fi hotspots,

Sec. Uy led the DICT officials in visiting the USEP Obrero campus on Wednesday (March 29). The launch was held at the university’s Information Technology Building.

“The purpose of the program is for education, for connectivity to access government services for research,” Sec.  Uy said.

Republic Act 10929 or the Free Internet Access Program signed in 2017 aims to provide free access to internet service in all public places across the country which will help reduce the digital divide.

Pursuant to the law the DICT, this year is planning to put up free Wi-Fi public access points in 22 sites across Davao Region.  (PIA/ RG Alama)