RA 10929: Free Internet in Public Places Act

Section 5. Lead Implementing Agency. - The D1CT shall be the lead implementing agency that will oversee the effective and efficient, implementation of this Act.

For purposes of administering the provisions of this Act, the DICT shall:

  1. Within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, develop a comprehensive plan for the timely and effective implementation and propagation of the Program;

  2. Coordinate with national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), private sector, and concerned organizations to ensure that the comprehensive plan is integrated with the plans and budgets of all agencies mandated to provide free internet access under this Act;

  3. Prescribe policies and regulations, and coordinate the timely and effective implementation of this Act;

  4. Enter into contracts to undertake the implementation of this Act, subject to existing laws and regulations;

  5. Arrange funding for the Program from any source, whether private, government, foreign, or domestic including official development assistance and bilateral and multilateral loans, subject to existing laws and regulations;

  6. Ensure that the minimum internet speed per user is two megabits per second (2 Mbps) or as prescribed by the National Broadband Plan, whichever is higher;

  7. Undertake the creation, establishment, installation, maintenance, and operation of infrastructure, equipment, systems, platforms, applications, and such other Program requirements necessary to effectively provide free internet access in public places throughout the country;

  8. Train its personnel, and institute accounting and fiscal practices for the operation of the Program, including in instances where the operation of the Program is outsourced to a qualified private party; and

  9. Prescribe regulations or subscribe to acceptable standards in the installation, construction, maintenance, and operation of infrastructure and equipment.

Provided, however, That nothing in this Act shall prohibit the DICT from providing internet connectivity by installing equipment and establishing infrastructure.