MANILA – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recently completed the installation of satellite broadband in 438 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), bringing internet connection to some of the farthest reaches of the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, DICT Secretary Ivan Uy said the project, which involved the installation and activation of very small aperture terminals (VSAT) in the provinces of Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Quezon and Pangasinan, was completed in 30 days.
“This achievement highlights both DICT’s commitment to digital transformation in GIDA regions. Residents in Northern Luzon can now readily access essential digital services via high-speed broadband,” Uy said.
Aside from providing internet connection to the public, he said, the project would help students through online education and transform remote areas into digital communication hubs.
“By providing high-speed internet connectivity to these GIDA sites, this project also equips the provinces' micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools to participate in the thriving e-commerce landscape,” he added.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), an attached agency of the DICT, led the deployment of VSATs in these areas to ensure their compliance to industry standards.
The VSATs are powered by internet service provider Stellarsat Solutions Inc. and Kacific Broadband Satellites.
It is part of the DICT’s national broadband project that aims to provide connectivity to 65 percent of the Filipino population that lack internet access. (PNA)
