DICT targets 30-50% internet price slash by 2028

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) aims to reduce internet prices by 30% to 50% by 2028.

This initiative is a directive from the President, emphasizing the right of every Filipino to internet access regardless of their location.

To achieve lower costs for telecommunication companies, the DICT is implementing spectrum reforms and shared infrastructure policies, including the common tower policy.

The DICT is also negotiating prices with service providers to bring down contract prices, as demonstrated by a P5 billion Wi-Fi contract secured in March at a 77% discount.

The DICT's P9 billion Free Wi-Fi for All program intends to establish 50,000 new access points and serve 13 million users.

Secretary Henry Aguda reported the reactivation of almost 19,000 Free Wi-Fi sites, with a significant portion in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

Additionally, 3,026 kilometers of the National Fiber Backbone have been completed, providing high-speed internet to 20 provinces and over 1,000 government sites.