Island Students in Luzon Now Online Thanks to Community Connectivity

Students from Guinaygayan Elementary School and Tapol Elementary School, both located at Patnanungan Island, Quezon, Luzon, Philippines are up to a good start as classes resume. 

Supported by Internet Society Foundation and implemented by unconnected.org partner KioBytes, learners are now able to access high-speed internet in previously isolated schools, expanding opportunities to learn online and narrowing the digital divide. 

KioBytes had to ferry fiber equipment via boats from the mainland to support distribution from the satellite terminals. Affordable connectivity is then offered to surrounding communities, creating an enabling environment to sustain free internet access at the school. 

For island communities, isolation is a key driver for innovation. Limited access to supplies and resources are a way of life, hence, with the introduction of high-speed internet, the effects are transformative. 

Going beyond traditional metered connection at no cost means students having access to online content without sacrificing budget for food, health or shelter. 

Michael Arucan, President of KioBytes, said "...we believe that connectivity is a form of aid that benefits communities in far-reaching ways.”

As demand for connectivity grows, unconnected.org partnerships with global satellite internet providers are key towards achieving scale and scope, especially with uncapped plans deployed at areas of social impact.

Community networks with the right network architecture and technology solutions are great catalysts for local internet service providers (ISPs) in achieving sustainability in commercial operations while connecting last-mile schools.