Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG), the Philippines’ foremost fiber broadband provider, has teamed up with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to introduce free Wi-Fi access to municipalities in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union. This collaborative effort aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to ensuring digital connectivity throughout the nation. DICT has awarded Converge the contract to provide free Wi-Fi connectivity to 36 municipal sites in Ilocos Sur and Norte and 4 municipal sites in La Union.
DICT has been tirelessly working to fulfill its mission of delivering affordable, high-speed, and reliable internet access to every Filipino in every barangay across the country. Under the Free WiFi for All Program, the department has activated over 4,000 free Wi-Fi stations across 17 regions, 75 provinces, and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Engr. Reynaldo T. Sy, Director of DICT Regional Office 1, expressed gratitude and optimism regarding the partnership with Converge ICT Solutions Inc.: “We are profoundly grateful to Converge for their unwavering support and commitment to our Free Wi-Fi for All project: Provision of Internet Connectivity Services in Municipalities. This partnership will enable us to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity to all Local Government Units (LGU) in the provinces of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Ilocos Norte Second District. We firmly believe that this project will help bridge the digital divide and empower our citizens to stay connected, access vital information, and participate in the digital economy.”
Despite the growing importance of internet access and technology, many Filipinos still lack both. According to the DICT’s 2019 National Information and Communications Technology Household Survey (NICTHS), conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI), only 48 percent of Filipinos consistently use the internet, and a mere 18 percent of households have access to it.
Converge has been at the forefront of the digital transformation in the Philippines, making substantial investments in its digital infrastructure through projects like the SEA-H2X Submarine Cable System and the trans-Pacific Bifrost Cable System. These initiatives aim to provide network diversity to consumers and businesses in the Philippines in the years ahead.
Having recently been recognized as the Broadband Telecom Company of the Year (Philippines) for the second consecutive year at the esteemed Asian Telecom Awards, Converge ICT has been actively collaborating with local government units (LGUs) and various domestic and international enterprises to drive societal transformation and progress, promoting digital democracy in the Philippines.
Jesus C. Romero, Chief Operations Officer at Converge, emphasized the company’s commitment to extending fiber-optic connectivity to every Filipino household and business, stating, “Converge has been diligently expanding our fiber optic network across the country to reach geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Internet access has become integral to our daily lives and the economic growth of our nation, and we remain dedicated to working hand in hand with the Philippine government to empower each Filipino household and business with fiber-powered connectivity.”
The alliance between DICT and Converge was formalized through a contract signing event at DICT’s Region 1 Office in Bauang, La Union. Present at the event were key representatives from DICT, including Mary Jane Nerona, DICT Region 1 OIC Chief (Technical Operations Divisions), and Engr. Reynaldo T. Sy, DICT Region 1 Director, as well as Converge representatives, including Evangeline Aquino, Converge Enterprise Public Sector Unit Head, and Jonathan Arenas, Converge Key Account Manager.
Experience better connectivity with the Philippines’ premier fiber broadband provider, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. For more information, please visit convergeict.com.
