Free Wi-Fi services in Manila parks
Visitors to Rizal Park and Intramuros, both in Manila, will soon enjoy free Wi-Fi services in key areas after the Department of Tourism signed a partnership agreement with Smart Communications Inc.
In partnership with the DOT’s Intramuros Administration (IA) and National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), Smart and its technology partner, InnoPub Media, will install Google Stations in the two tourist destinations to provide free Wi-Fi in key public areas — Plaza Dilao, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, Plaza Roma, Fort Santiago, and across Luneta.
Free Wi-Fi service in 30-minute intervals
In a press conference following the formal signing of the MOA, a representative of Smart said users may access the free Wi-Fi service in 30-minute intervals but may reconnect again and again, essentially providing unlimited wireless internet to its users.
In a message, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the provision of free Wi-Fi in tourist hotspots encourages the natural promotion of Philippine tourism through social media.
She added that each of the 4.9 million mentions of #ItsMoreFuninthePhilippines on Instagram proves the importance of greater connectivity to tourists — aside from enhancing visitors’ experience through access to information.
More than 400 Google Stations have been installed by Smart and InnoPub Media in heavy foot-traffic areas, such as airports, and other transportation hubs — bus stations and seaports, hospitals, and malls — throughout the country.
Launched in 2012 in Cebu, the digital tourism project was made possible through collaboration with the DOT, other national government units, local governments, and other stakeholders.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, National Parks Development Committee executive director Cecille Romero and Intramuros Administration chief Guiller Asido, together with Smart president and chief revenue officer Alfredo Panlilio and PLDT Enterprise head Juan Victor Hernandez, signed the agreement during simple rites at Manila Hotel.
