PLDT, the largest telecommunications provider in the country, has recently launched an initiative to provide free Wi-Fi at all state universities and colleges (SUCs).
This initiative, which many see as a significant move to enhance educational connectivity in the country, forms part of PLDT’s broader vision to bridge the digital divide and ensure that every student has access to reliable internet services for their educational needs.
PLDT’s Chief Operating Officer, Menardo Jimenez Jr., emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating that it is “past time” for every SUC to have a dedicated free Wi-Fi location. He articulated the company’s commitment to meeting the connectivity requirements of students and educators alike, asserting that a robust digital infrastructure is essential for modern education.
As part of this initiative, PLDT has already activated over 1,000 Wi-Fi locations across more than 220 post-secondary educational institutions, spanning at least 60 provinces.
This extensive coverage enables both professors and students to access the Internet during classes, enhancing the overall learning experience. With internet access becoming increasingly critical in educational settings, the free Wi-Fi initiative aims to facilitate digital learning and improve educational outcomes.
PLDT calling for collaborative effort
Despite these advancements, Jimenez acknowledged that PLDT cannot accomplish this ambitious goal alone. He called on both public and private sectors to collaborate in fully connecting all SUCs across the archipelago by 2025. “Maintaining the current sites and reaching new institutions require the best use of both public and private resources,” he noted.
This collaborative approach is vital for sustaining the initiative and ensuring that educational institutions can continuously meet the connectivity needs of their communities.
The initiative also aligns with PLDT’s ongoing efforts to expand digital education across the nation. Jimenez stated, “We are calling for renewed efforts to make digital education accessible in all SUCs by 2025, and continued support is necessary to maintain this transformative initiative.”
This call to action highlights the need for collective action to achieve digital equity in education, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Manuel V. Pangilinan, the head of PLDT, is a staunch advocate for enhancing internet access and closing the digital divide. Under his leadership, PLDT is committed to establishing as many free Wi-Fi hotspots in educational institutions as possible, ensuring that no student is left behind in the digital age.
Additionally, Pangilinan has also been vocal about initiatives to make advanced technologies, such as 5G, more affordable, thereby further promoting digital inclusion across the country.
One company that has since shown support is ZTE, which recently renewed its commitment to helping shape the future of telecommunications through advanced technologies, strategic partnerships, and exceptional service. The company has continued to champion education and innovation in the Philippines with the launch of an inaugural scholarship program that honored 6 outstanding student innovators.
Demand for digital resources continues to grow
The significance of free Wi-Fi in educational institutions cannot be overstated, particularly as the demand for digital resources continues to grow.
With many educational institutions transitioning to hybrid or fully online learning models, reliable internet access is essential for both students and teachers. PLDT’s initiative not only supports academic success but also prepares students for a future increasingly reliant on digital skills and technologies.
Moreover, the establishment of free Wi-Fi at SUCs opens doors to various educational technologies, such as online learning platforms, digital libraries, and interactive learning tools.
These resources can enrich the educational experience, providing students with access to a wealth of information and learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings.
In the end, PLDT’s initiative to provide free Wi-Fi at state universities and colleges marks a significant step toward enhancing digital education in the Philippines.
By fostering collaboration between public and private sectors and prioritizing the connectivity needs of students, PLDT aims to create a more equitable and accessible educational landscape. As the initiative unfolds, it holds the promise of transforming educational experiences and outcomes for countless students across the archipelago, paving the way for a more digitally literate and empowered generation.