Philippines DICT Allocates P28.92M for Satellite Internet in 85 Indigenous Towns
The Philippines' Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will deploy low-Earth orbit satellite internet across 85 indigenous peoples' towns. This P28.92 million initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas, with over half the target locations situated in Mindanao.
Digital Access for Indigenous Communities
The Philippines' Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) plans to spend P28.92 million to install satellite internet in 85 indigenous peoples (IP) towns. This project seeks to provide internet access via low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The DICT is currently seeking an internet service provider (ISP) for the initiative.
Over half of the identified towns are located in Mindanao. The chosen ISP must activate the satellite internet within 60 days of receiving a notice to proceed. Service coverage will extend for at least 360 days.
Technical Specifications and Funding
The DICT specifies stringent technical requirements for the satellite internet service. Each location must receive a download bandwidth of 100 to 220 megabits per second (Mbps). Upload speeds must consistently reach 10 to 25 Mbps. The service also mandates a monthly data allocation exceeding two terabytes (TB) and latency, or data transfer time, below 60 milliseconds.
Funding for this project comes from a special account within the general fund, specifically for the Free Public Internet Access Program, also known as Free WiFi for All.
E-Governance Expansion in Mindanao
The satellite internet deployment complements the DICT's broader e-governance initiatives, particularly in Mindanao. The Electronic Local Government System (eLGU) programme is expanding digital registration services in SOCCSKSARGEN and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This system simplifies permitting processes, aiming to improve the ease of doing business. To date, eLGU has integrated 63 local government units across these two regions. The DICT will hold a pre-bid conference for the satellite internet project on 24 August, with submissions closing on 7 September.
Economic Impact of Digitalisation
Digitalisation efforts demonstrate tangible economic benefits. Between 2023 and 2025, eLGU processed 114,259 permits in SOCCSKSARGEN, generating P1.79 billion in revenues. In BARMM, 7,931 filings led to P77.7 million in collections. The platform consolidates business permit assessments, payments, and releases, reducing the need for face-to-face transactions prone to corruption.
For example, Kidapawan City’s business tax revenues rose to P102.67 million in 2022 under its digital permitting system, up from P83.93 million in 2021 when procedures were manual. This digital infrastructure fosters greater transparency and boosts local government income.
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