The Philippines Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has successfully equipped fifteen remote schools in Aurora province with high-speed internet connectivity, leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet.
Each school received a Starlink satellite dish, router, a one-year complimentary internet subscription, and a Wi-Fi extender.
This major upgrade opens a new chapter for teachers and students in Aurora, allowing them to access digital media resources and access a wealth of information that extends far beyond the confines of traditional textbooks.
“This project provides access to an efficient internet connection, giving schools the opportunity to keep up with the current teaching methods. And with this, students may be able to participate in online interactive courses,” stated the DOST.
The recipient schools of the Starlink kits include Calaocan Integrated School, Diniog National High School, Diagyan National High School, Dimanayat Integrated School, and several others, marking a total of fifteen schools that form the second batch of beneficiaries. This follows the initial provision of Starlink kits to eleven remote schools in the province last year.
Funded under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program, the DOST has allocated P1.563 million ($27,500 USD) towards this project. The program aims to facilitate technology transfer to communities in critical areas such as education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction, and industry development or livelihood, reports Sunstar.
Starlink is a game changer for remote communities, as access to high speed internet brings educational and business opportunities never before seen. Video calling from a remote island? Not a problem with Starlink.
The Philippines approved Starlink back in 2022, while the service first arrived last June through reseller Netlinkz. Last fall, SM Supermalls started selling Starlink kits.
