Going WiFi-crazy in RP’s ICT capital

By Perseus Echeminada
The Philippine Star

The Information Communication Technology Capital (ICT) of the country is fast becoming a leader in wireless connectivity, a business leader said yesterday.

Nathan Zulueta, president of the Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (QCCCI) said many key areas are now WiFi-ready zones.

WiFi or wireless fidelity, allows users to surf the Internet using notebook computers, PDAs and other portable devices minus cables, through access points called hotspots.

The Eastwood City Cyberpark — the country’s pioneering IT park is a WiFi ready zone in the city. Students, executives and vistors can often be seen with their laptops in pubs, coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques even the central park using WiFi provided free by the cyberpark, Zulueta said.

He said Ateneo de Manila University in Loyola Heights was very first campus in the country to provide WiFi for its students and faculty members.

Zulueta said while the National Capital Region is already considered a technological hub, only seven percent of its population have Internet access. WiFi cafes, however, provides an alternative to expensive broadband connection.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Melange Crepes and Pasta, and Cheesecake, Etc., are among the popular WiFi zones in Quezon City. Most coffee shops offer wireless connectivity as come-on to customers.

"The QCCCI Foundation is now coordinating with the Quezon City Council to pass a resolution urging all business establishments to install wirelesss networks in their establishments as part of their ‘corporate social responsibility’ program," Zulueta said. "Giving access to information communication technology is a service to the people and would give back tremendous benefits to businesses in terms of goodwill and actual sales value."

He noted that in mega cities, WiFi has been around for years and citizens have 24 hours access to Internet wherever they go. The government also provides WiFi through public facilities in most communities.

"WiFi technology is the fastest means to provide information service to the community and we in the private sector should work with the government to be able to provide these ICT facilities to our people" Zulueta said.