In the vast archipelago of the Philippines, access to robust and affordable broadband internet remains a challenge, particularly in isolated areas like Palawan and Mindanao. However, a unique partnership between Kacific, a next-generation broadband satellite operator, and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) seeks to foster a positive transformation in these underserved regions.
With a population of over 100 million people spread across more than 7,000 often-mountainous islands, dependable internet connection is a rare commodity in the Philippines. Existing internet services in rural areas are often unreliable, and frequent power outages make it even harder to connect the rural population. Nonetheless, the impact of broadband internet on education, healthcare, agriculture, and e-commerce in those regions cannot be overlooked. A recent study reveals that if fully leveraged by 2030, digital technologies could generate up to PHP5 trillion (USD 101.3 billion) in economic value, equivalent to about 27 percent of the country’s GDP in 2020.
NICP, founded in 2008, serves as the recognized, premier, and unifying advocate for countryside ICT industry development. Its mission is to promote foreign and local investments and balanced development, share information and best practices, and transform the Philippines into a customer-oriented, competitive provider of global services.
Kacific collaborates with over 164 local authorized distributors and 19 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) partners, propelling connectivity across the Asia-Pacific.
The partnership between Kacific and NICP aims to capacitate rural communities with satellite broadband internet infrastructure and value-added services. By collaborating with the network of ICT councils under NICP, the project gains valuable insights into local needs, enabling tailored solutions to address unique challenges different communities face.
Through this collaboration, Kacific will endorse local internet service providers and distributors, facilitating their access to Kacific satellite service to fulfill the internet requirements of government, enterprise, and community organizations in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA). Internet services will be provided through commercial agreements with local ISP partners. Additionally, Kacific will work with its local partners and distributors to deliver training and assistance for internet requirements in identified GIDA sites, including community Wi-Fi operations, voucher billing systems, troubleshooting, sales, branding, and marketing support.
Kacific Internet of Things (IoT) also offers a fully managed, easy-to-install service that enables IoT devices to transmit data in real time. With speeds of up to 10Mbps, Kacific IoT caters to businesses in remote areas, especially farms and mining sites. Whether it’s optimizing crop production, ensuring safety, monitoring aquaculture, staying vigilant against earthquakes, managing utilities, or detecting mining hazards, Kacific’s IoT solution will boost efficiency and better inform business decision-making across the Philippines.
NICP President, Dr. Mary Joy Abueg, said: “Having Internet access is crucial for nearly 60 million people living in the countryside. We’re confident that teaming up with Kacific will bring significant positive changes to uplift rural communities. Kacific’s broadband services can boost the economy, improve education, and support rural development in the long run.”
Meanwhile, Kacific’s CEO, Christian Patouraux, foresees reaching even more Filipino communities and enterprises through this new alliance. “With the ongoing growth of the digital economy since 2018 in the Philippines, our partnership holds promise for further development. Significant infrastructure investments in many developing countries tend to center around major cities, leaving villages and provinces underserved. By providing reliable internet connectivity, we enable people in rural areas to stay in their villages and create livelihood opportunities.”
Exciting projects are already in the pipeline as the partnership seeks to empower rural communities, strengthen connectivity, and drive economic growth in the countryside. With such transformative initiatives, the Philippines inches closer to narrowing the digital divide for the benefit of all its citizens.
To learn more about NICP’s efforts in championing the advancement of internet access and ICT industry development in the Philippines, visit NICP’s official website at nicp.org.ph.
For further insights into Kacific’s role in propelling satellite broadband and innovative solutions across the Asia-Pacific region, visit www.kacific.com.
