Laoag City—In a bid to create more quality public spaces equipped with upgraded internet connectivity and accessible communication services, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), in partnership with a telecommunications company, started the installation of free wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) service in its pilot areas on September 18, 2019.
Areas for the phase I of public Wi-Fi service include the Provincial Capitol Building, Aurora Park, and the Laoag City Hall, San Nicolas IT Park, and the Batac City Hall.
“Last week, sinimulan na natin ang pag-install ng free Wi-Fi dito sa Provincial Capitol para mas mapadali pa ang transaction ng services natin. At the same time, while people are waiting for their turn in line, they can use the free internet for entertainment or for other important communication needs,” provincial information technology officer-in-charge Wilfredo Lorenzo Jr. said.
According to Mr. Lorenzo, after the Wi-Fi installation in the Provincial Capitol Building, the other pilot areas will follow.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc is positive that the installation will be completed before his first 100 days accomplishment report: “Hopefully in my first 100 days we can already have our request... In the next few months, may free public Wi-Fi na tayo,” he remarked.
Municipal halls, district hospitals, tourist destinations, and other public areas in the province are the following sites to undergo phase 2 free Wi-Fi installation.
“There was also a safety concern sa mga pulis na walang signal sa area nila.... Bigyan natin sila ng alternative means of communication, especially the police, disaster personnel, and people in healthcare,” Mr. Manotoc added.
Every user can access the free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes a day. Yet, the Provincial Government is in the process of persuading its partner telecommunications company to grant its request to extend accessibility to one hour. (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)