THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) yesterday warned the public to use the government’s free WiFi services properly.
At the sidelines of the launch of the “Broadband ng Masa” at the University of Antique, DICT secretary Ivan John Uy said the public must not abuse the free WiFi program or DICT will be forced to put in restrictions on its usage.
He said, for now Filipinos can use the “Broadband ng Masa” sites unlimited for free, but if they find irregularities in the usage, they may put a cap on it.
“Huwag abusuhin po dahil kung masyadong maraming naka-connect at puro nagda-download ng movies, syempre babagal ‘yun, maaapektuhan ang ibang gagamit diyan,” said Uy.
He added: “Kung matino naman gumagamit, walang nang-aabuso, siguro hindi natin kailangan ilagay ang mga safeguards na ‘yan, pero kung ma-monitor naman ay ‘teka puro e-sabong ang ginagawa nitong mga koneksyon na ito’ dapat mag-intervene tayo.”
The possible interventions include placing a limit on the number of hours of usage per day per person and limiting the size of data per day per person.
Uy said they will also block porn sites and gambling sites.
The “Broadband ng Masa,” referred to as “BBM” by the DICT, is a rebrand of the National Broadband Plan.
It aims to install WiFi sites across the country, particularly in remote areas.
This service was launched in Antique province on March 3.
About 150 barangays will be having free WiFi sites this year.
Uy asserted the use of the free WiFi program must be mostly for educational purposes or if one wants to showcase their businesses to the world. (ABS-CBN News)
