08 April 2015 PRESS RELEASE Information and

08 April 2015
PRESS RELEASE
Information and Communications Technology Office
Contact Person: Roy Espiritu - roy.espiritu@icto.dost.gov.ph
Contact No.: 9200101 loc 1003, +639178718547
Free Wi-Fi Pilot Sites in Bohol Making a Difference for Residents
The Free Internet Access in Public Places Project of the Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is making
strides in providing residents in Tubigon and Talibon, Bohol, the capability to access the
Internet. The two aforementioned sites were chosen to be pilot sites for the Project as they
were also pilot sites for the Agency’s TV White Space initiative. These sites were
instrumental in coordinating relief efforts after the Bohol earthquake in 2013.
The Tubigon Free-Wi-Fi site is currently located at the town plaza , which is accessible to
residents and visitors; and provides connectivity for government offices in the area.
Students are particularly pleased with having access to free WiFi as it helps them with their
research for school. According to Anna Mariel Palima, 18, a student from Tubigon Bohol,
she uses the connectivity mainly for school research and communication with friends and
family in Manila, while her Aunt, who works as a social worker, uses it to communicate
with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) via email.
The Internet connectivity at the sites use TV White Space (TVWS) technologies. TVWS
refers to the unutilized television frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands. In 2010, the
United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of TVWS for
data communications. TVWS equipment can deliver 5 to 40 Mbps of data throughout a
designated area that covers a maximum range of 20 kilometers. Its signals can literally
pass through several concrete walls, thick foliage, and water, making it ideal for island
nations such as the Philippines. TVWS will be used to connect areas that are beyond the
reach of conventional means such as a fiberoptic cables, microwave radio and cellular.
DOST - Information and Communications Technology Office
web: www.icto.dost.gov.ph email: info@icto.dost.gov.ph
ICT Office Building, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman 1101, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone (632) 920-0101; Fax No. (632) 426-1525
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“Madalas namin gamitin ang Free WiFi para sa komunikasyon sa pag gamit ng apps tulad
ng Facebook, Wattpad, at Skype. Para sa research, madalas naming gamitin ang Google
search at Youtube”. (“We often use Free Wifi for communication using apps such as
Facebook, Wattpad and Skype, while for research purposes, we often use Google Search
and Youtube”) Ms. Palima said.
Leizel Galia, 28, a bakery supervisor in Tubigon Plaza, said that she uses the connectivity
primarily to connect with friends and family abroad and in Manila. Both users utilize smart
phones to connect to the service.
Data from the Wi-Fi Access points show that peak hours are from 12 noon to 12 midnight
with as many as 80 simultaneous users.
The Free Internet Access in Public Places project of the ICT Office will further boost the
benefits already being reaped from its various projects, which aim to extend the access of
technology to broader users as well as bring the conveniences of modern technology to
more Filipinos. Among these projects are the Tech4ED project, Rural Impact Sourcing and
DigiBayanihan. Likewise, DOST projects such as Project NOAH and RX Box are also
expected to benefit from improved access to Internet connectivity.
Undersecretary Louis Casambre of the DOST-ICT Office has a positive outlook on the
effects of the Free WiFi in Public Spaces Project. “Access to the Internet will not only
provide access to information, education and communication to our citizens in rural areas it
will also allow them to expand their markets for their goods and services well beyond their
municipal borders, allowing for the start of a positive reinforcing cycle of socio-economic
growth and development.” Casambre said.
Tubigon is the nearest seaport in Cebu City and is located at the province of Bohol,
Philippines, at 51 kilometres (32 mi) from Tagbilaran. According to the 2010 census, it has
a population of 44,902. Tubigon is well known for its "lambay" crabs.
About DOST-ICT Office - The Information and Communications Technology Office of
the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine Government's lead agency on
ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development,
eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity.
DOST - Information and Communications Technology Office
web: www.icto.dost.gov.ph email: info@icto.dost.gov.ph
ICTO Building, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman 1101, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone (632) 426-1526; (632) 426-1528; Trunkline (632) 920-0101; Fax No. (632) 426-1525
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Photos with Caption:
The Tubigon town plaza as seen from the Tubigon Cultural Center, where the WiFi
Access point for the Free WiFi Pilot is located.
DOST - Information and Communications Technology Office
web: www.icto.dost.gov.ph email: info@icto.dost.gov.ph
ICTO Building, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman 1101, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone (632) 426-1526; (632) 426-1528; Trunkline (632) 920-0101; Fax No. (632) 426-1525
Page 4 of 4
Data traffic from the Tubigon Free Public WiFi router, showing times of peak activity
DOST - Information and Communications Technology Office
web: www.icto.dost.gov.ph email: info@icto.dost.gov.ph
ICTO Building, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman 1101, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone (632) 426-1526; (632) 426-1528; Trunkline (632) 920-0101; Fax No. (632) 426-1525