The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it has installed VSAT (very small aperture terminal) satellite broadband in 438 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the country.
The deployment of the VSATs were made in the provinces of Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Quezon, and Pangasinan.
The DICT collaborated with Internet provider Stellarsat Solutions and Kacific Broadband Satellites for the deployment.
The program is part of DICT’s National Broadband Project to provide connectivity to 65 percent of Filipinos who lack access to the Internet.
“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,” DICT Secretary Ivan Uy said.
“By providing high-speed internet connectivity to these GIDA sites, this project equips the provinces micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools to participate in the thriving e-commerce landscape,” he said.
Aside from improving e-commerce in the areas, Uy said improved connectivity also opens online education and also transform remote areas into digital communication hubs.
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) executive director Alexander K. Ramos said his agency ensured the security and quality of installation sites.
“As the agency responsible for all functions related to cybersecurity, the CICC conducted security assessments, working alongside DICT during site inspections,” he said.
