Ombudsman Launches Fact-Finding Probe into DICT Free Wi-Fi Program

The Ombudsman has opened a fact-finding investigation into the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) regarding alleged irregularities in its projects, including the Free Wi-Fi program. Investigators are examining whether the government paid for internet connections that were never delivered or if projects were equipped with substandard or fake software, which they termed a 'ghost internet' scheme. The DICT has since opened its Network Monitoring System Version 2 to the public, allowing users to track the availability and service-level agreement compliance of sites.

The inquiry focuses on whether the government was billed for connectivity that was never delivered and if prices for hardware, software, and services were inflated. The Ombudsman has not yet identified the specific projects, contractors, officials, or contract amounts under investigation.