The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Smart Communications, Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the telecommunications service provider to provide free and enhanced Wi-Fi access at key transport hubs nationwide.
The MOU, signed on July 12, provides that Smart will operate and maintain the Wi-Fi facility at major airports, seaports, train stations, and bus terminals at no cost to the government.
Smart said the Wi-Fi speed will be 10 times faster ]compared to?[ and be on a par with international standards, but noted that the strength of the Internet connection would still depend on the number of users accessing the service.
DOTr has identified 21 priority areas that have the highest passenger traffic and these include Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals 1 to 4; the airports of Davao, lloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Kalibo, Laguindingan, General Santos, Clark, Laoag, Cebu, Caticlan, Zamboanga; the stations of the Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit; and Batangas and Mindoro ports.
“Passengers will now enjoy free WiFi connections during their stay in various transport hubs. We aim to provide high standards and better services to the public,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement.
The transport chief added that this initiative demonstrates what can be accomplished with public-private sector cooperation.
Last week, DOTr and local airline companies signed a memorandum of agreement to have the carriers take charge of the upkeep of restrooms at the four NAIA terminals, also at no cost to the government.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
