Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is proposing the use of satellite-based technologies to widen internet access in the country and hasten the rollout of digital technology in public schools.
Gatchalian, chair the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, has filed Senate Bill 2250 seeking to expand access to satellite-based technologies as an alternative internet connectivity solution.
The measure, he said, complements the Public Education Network initiative of the Department of Education and the Department of Information and Communications Technology which aims to reach students in remote areas of the country and expedite digital connectivity in public schools and DepEd offices.
"Habang hindi pa nakakabalik ang mga mag-aaral sa eskwelahan, mas maiging ngayon pa lang ay nilalatag na natin ang mga paghahanda para sa itinataguyod nating digital education sa bansa,” Gatchalian said in a statement on Sunday.
“Sa isinusulong nating pagpapalawig sa paggamit ng satellite-based technologies, bawat paaralan at bawat tahanan ay maaari na nating maabot,” he added.
Under the measure, government organizations, public and non-profit private institutions, and volunteer organizations will be allowed to own and operate satellite-based technology for their activities.
The satellite will be used to receive internet signal from an internet service provider or ISP to the user. The ISP sends a wireless internet signal to a satellite in space, while the satellite dish is connected to the modem of the user, allowing them to connect to the internet.
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