Listen up netizens, there’s soon going to be free public WiFi in the Philippines.
Google Philippines announced yesterday that it is launching Google Station this month, its free public WiFi initiative, in 50 public locations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Some of these spots include places like airports and train stations.
Mahesh Bhalerao, global director for the “Next Billion Users” initiative, said at the first Google for Philippines event yesterday that Google is partnering with local service provider PLDT for Google Station.
“Open, free, and high-quality public WiFi is a crucial step in expanding connectivity in the Philippines. Google Stations allow Filipinos from Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao to connect to open, free, and high-quality internet, whether you are in an MRT station in QC (Quezon City), or a bus terminal in Cebu… You can get online for free,” Bhalerao said.
They plan to expand Google Station across the archipelago in the next few months.
“Open, free and high-quality internet can have a very positive impact on people’s lives. We strongly believe at Google that access to information and services can make people’s lives better.”
Google Station started at the Mumbai Central station in India back in January 2016 and has rolled out to other countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Nigeria, Mexico. The Philippines is going to be the 6th country to get Google Station.
The Philippines is known to be the social media capital of the world despite the country’s notoriously slow internet.
The free WiFi initiative could benefit many of these Filipino netizens because there aren’t a lot of WiFi hotspots in public spaces around the country.
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