Mi Fi

It is funny how old friends or classmates get reunited through the different social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Social networks have allowed them to talk and be updated with each others’ lives. The first time I have heard of Facebook was when I was still in college. I was hesitant to sign up for an account. However, after I created an account I got hooked instantaneously not only on being updated of my friends’ lives but also with the games you can play with your account. I had a hard time controlling myself from logging in every now and then. It had made me felt connected with everyone, even with my aunts in the United States. It was easier to talk to everyone. However, as much as it was helpful in reconnecting with friends and relatives, it has cost me a lot of studying time. I knew I had to do something so I deactivated my Facebook account temporarily.

It has only been six months now but somehow I felt lost. I am not as updated as I was before. But it made me think, if a person like myself, who has internet access, feel so lost about what’s happening, how much more will a person with no internet access feel?

Practically everything is on the internet. From food delivery to books we need for research, we can find it there. We can learn many things by surfing through the net. But not everyone has access to it. There’s dial-up connection but it is not as reliable as broadband. But with broadband, we still have to set-up a router just so all our “gadgets” can access the internet at the same time. That’s as far as I know. But what about when we get out? I think the answer to that is Mi Fi (my Wi-Fi). It’s a small router that supply 3G data network access in a small area. It doesn’t have to be plugged with any of the devices. It is a very small device which can be carried anywhere and everywhere. According to its producers, Mi Fi’s are more affordable since the Mi Fi owner doesn’t have to subscribe to a separate data plan for every laptop or cellphone he or she has. Furthermore, it will provide internet access to everyone near it. It seemed like a great solution to the lack of internet connection in our distant rural areas. But then again, I remembered, it would not be as cheap for us Filipinos as it would be to the Americans wouldn’t it? And even if it would be, it will not be prioritized over the primary needs of our families, like eating three times a day.

The question of internet being available to every Filipino is still present not because of the non-existence of the technology but because of the incapability of a big number of people to afford them.

- Entry # 1