The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) persist in their endeavors to bridge the digital gap in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) of the Philippines.
Demonstrating their commitment to inventive solutions, CICC has teamed up with Kacific Broadband Satellites Group to introduce Kacific’s SatPack across these regions.
This collaboration aligns with the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) ongoing National Broadband Project, aimed at enhancing nationwide connectivity and providing vital internet access to rural and hard-to-reach areas. This strategic partnership seeks to offer connectivity solutions that complement the agency’s broader efforts to digitally empower every Filipino.
Kacific Broadband Satellites Inc. is a next-generation broadband satellite operator, dedicated to providing universal, fast, high-quality broadband access at an affordable cost using robust technologies.
Kacific1, the satellite utilized by Kacific, remains stationary above the Earth’s equator, approximately 35,786 kilometers away, making it a “geostationary” satellite. This fixed position enhances stability in bandwidth and internet connection. Moreover, spot beams on the satellite provide additional power, resulting in better service for end-users, thereby reducing bandwidth costs.
SatPack, Kacific’s latest connectivity solution, is highly portable and versatile. It features a self-aligning 75cm antenna, delivering high-speed internet up to 50Mbps, operational within minutes without technical expertise. Ideal for the diverse and challenging terrains of the Philippines, SatPack ensures reliable communication for various applications, including connectivity for remote construction sites, facilitating remote healthcare through telemedicine and mobile clinics, and enabling digitalization of voting in rural areas to enhance electoral access and emergency response communications.
CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos emphasized the agency’s pioneering efforts in promoting emergency communications through private sector partnerships, aiming to enhance critical infrastructure nationwide. “The Philippines will go a long way with new and better technologies for connectivity,” Ramos stated.
The partnership between DICT, Kacific, and local ISP Stellarsat has effectively expanded internet access. By the end of 2023, 438 sites in Northern Luzon were successfully connected within 30 days, through a collaborative effort between DICT and CICC.
As the Philippines continues to prioritize digital inclusivity, DICT, supported by private sector partners like Kacific, remains committed to leveraging innovative technologies like SatPack to enhance connectivity, facilitate emergency communications, and drive the nation’s digital transformation.
