DICT launches Bayanihan SIM to improve internet connectivity in far-flung areas

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DICT launches Bayanihan SIM to improve internet connectivity in far-flung areas

Jervis Manahan,

ABS-CBN News

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The DICT has launched the Bayanihan SIM project, which aims to give free sim cards with 25GB data in far-flung areas where there is little to no connectivity. They say telcos have also committed to build common towers to ensure Filipinos get connected online. Jervis Manahan, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology has pilot tested the 'Bayanihan SIM', a government project to improve connectivity in far-flung areas in the country.

Under the project, the department will give free simcards with 25GB data to select families of students to give them access to internet connection.

"We're targetting to distribute around 600,000 sim cards by the end of the year, and a total of more than 1 million sim cards by next year," said DICT Usec. Christine Faye Condez-de Sagon.

Alongside this, telecommunication companies have also pledged to build more common towers to improve signal.

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"May commitment sila na magtatayo sila ng towers sa talagang wala, kasi isa ito sa modalities na pinopromote ng DICT to ensure connection," she said.

(They have a commitment to build common towers in areas with no signal since this is one of the modalities being promoted by DICT to ensure connection.)

The pilot testing rolled out today in Kalawakan Elementary School in Dona Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan. They will also roll it out at the Bani National High School Coto Annex in Masinloc, Zambales and in San Nicolas Integrated School in General Luna in Quezon.

"Under sa budget natin sa GAA this year, P3 billion ang na allocate for this project. Ang target beneficiaries ay 5 million Filipinos," Usec. Condez-de Sagon said.

(Under our budget in this year's GAA, P3 billion has been alloted for this project. We foresee 5 million Filipinos benefitting from this.)

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Globe Telecom also distributed SIMs during the event, each loaded with 25GB of monthly open-access data, to 500 students, teachers, and parents.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda says this project aims to give residents in far-flung areas with a headstart in internet connectivity. The internet connection is expected to boost e-commerce in the area, fueling growth in its local economy.

"Dapat sustainable, when economic activity in the place umugong na, self-sustaining na ang connectivity nila, they'll pay for it na," Aguda said.

(This should be sustainable. When the economic activity of an area gains momentum, the connectivity will be self-sustaining and they will already pay for it.)

"We're just starting them off with the connectivity then to supplement it with e commerce and jobs and development in the area will self-sustain," he added.

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