Beyond nets: bringing online opportunities to a fisherfolk community

Lux Solana, a partner of unconnected.org introduced connectivity to a fisherfolk community at Tagubanhan Island, Iloilo, Visayas, Philippines.

The island is considered part of Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) with lack of reliable commercial telecommunications service. 

Connectivity is powered by a Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Kit, that allowed for easy installation; complemented by access points to expand coverage within the fisherfolk communities. 

“Robust access to connectivity, electrical power and potable water are the foundation for a good empowered life, a vital community and growth. Lux Solana’s vision is that no village will be too small or too remote for a good life…” said Henrik Palsson, CTO.

The community has been using the Internet for a few years with gradual upgrades in capabilities, with most recently being with unconnected.org. Today, three interconnected sites provide both indoor and outdoor connectivity, each covering several thousand square meters. 

In Palina Village, connectivity is centered around the new local market, the primary school, and a sari-sari store. Palina, one of several island villages, has around 500 residents, mostly from fishing families. Remarkably, the system supported over 500 connected devices last month—mainly smartphones. 

Many unique mobile applications were accessed by the community. The local primary school is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the service. Many residents are astonished to find that their connectivity now exceeds that of neighboring cities and municipalities—and at no cost to them.