Creation of the Free Public Internet Access Program
- No user fees for accessing public internet points.
- Public internet service is separate from government backend systems but may share infrastructure.
- Technical restrictions on access are only allowed for security reasons and should prioritize user accessibility.
Coverage of Public Places
- Includes national/local government offices, public schools, state universities, TESDA institutions, hospitals, parks, libraries, airports, seaports, and transport terminals.
- Focus on areas with maximum use such as libraries, computer labs, lobbies, and assembly points.
- Mandatory signage to inform users of free internet access.
- DICT authorized to set standards and prioritize rollout locations.
Lead Implementing Agency: DICT
- Develop comprehensive implementation plan within one year.
- Coordinate with government agencies, LGUs, private sector, and organizations.
- Prescribe policies, enter contracts, arrange funding, and ensure minimum internet speeds of 2 Mbps or higher.
- Install, maintain infrastructure and train personnel.
- Establish accounting, fiscal practices, and technical regulations.
Public-Private Partnerships
- DICT may partner with private sector to improve service delivery.
- Private partners may offer supplemental paid services if registered with NTC as value-added service providers.
- Encourage traffic exchange at domestic IP exchanges to lower costs.
- ISPs allowed to use satellite and emerging technologies.
Prohibition of Exclusivity and Anti-Competitive Practices
- Ban exclusivity agreements favoring any single telecom provider.
- DICT and Philippine Competition Commission to issue enforcement guidelines.
- Violators face administrative penalties under civil service laws.
Use of Spectrum
- DICT and NTC to allocate necessary frequencies for the program without harmful interference.
- Spectrum use granted to agencies and private entities under transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory terms.
- Guiding principles for shared spectrum use to be issued within one year.
Quality Standards and Data Privacy
- NTC to set minimum quality standards for free internet service within one year.
- DICT to monitor, publish performance data, and impose penalties for non-compliance.
- User privacy protected under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, prohibiting unauthorized data collection or disclosure.
Content Restrictions and Child Protection
- Access to pornographic websites is prohibited.
- DICT to develop children’s online protection standards in coordination with relevant councils and stakeholders.
Public Safety and Infrastructure
- Telecom facilities must bear warning signs where exposure poses hazards.
- Respect for private property rights during infrastructure installations.
- Public consultations required if private land is affected, complying with homeowners' and local government laws.
Role of National and Local Government Units
- Coordinate permit processing and policy implementation with DICT and DILG.
- Facilitate access to government properties for infrastructure deployment.
- Align existing free internet programs with the law’s provisions.
- Ensure security of equipment and assign site coordinators.
Permitting and Certification Process
- DICT to streamline and standardize permits, clearances, and fee structures.
- Fees must cover only supervision and regulation costs.
- Automatic approval of applications if delayed beyond seven days, barring force majeure.
- No additional requirements beyond DICT stipulations.
- DILG to monitor local government compliance.
Reporting and Accountability
- DICT to submit annual implementation reports to the President, Congress, and relevant committees.
Free Public Internet Access Fund
- Established under DICT management.
- Funded by spectrum user fees and other sources identified by the Department of Budget and Management.
Budget and Appropriations
- Initial funds charged to DICT, NTC, and National Privacy Commission budgets.
- Subsequent funding from Free Public Internet Access Fund and General Appropriations Act if needed.
Rulemaking and Legal Provisions
- Implementing rules to be promulgated within 90 days from effectivity.
- Separability clause preserves law validity if parts are declared unconstitutional.
- Repeals laws inconsistent with this Act.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.