Satellite technology unites communities

Bongao-Salug Cable TV has partnered with unconnected.org to bring connectivity in isolated areas of Bongao, Tawi Tawi, Mindanao in the Philippines. 

While the local provider has since operated cable TV and internet services in the area, there's still a number of locations where their fiber infrastructure is not present, due to geography and simply put, economics. 

The island province is the country’s southernmost; over 100 other small islands surround it. As this reality unfolds, telecommunications services are arguably challenging for the most part. The unavailability of digital infrastructure, coupled with high investment to cover the topography, translates to citizens contending with opportunistic connectivity. 

Internet delivered through satellite is a game-changer for the region. In addition to the complementary fiber deployed by Bongao-Salug Cable TV, the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite provides an affordable alternative to provide for internet in areas where traditional players, even local ones, will not consider going. 

With this, the local partner through unconnected.org is able to provide free connectivity to many students at Bongao Elementary School, Bongao Adventist Elementary School, Buai Primary School, Panglima Erong Elementary School, Campo Muslim Elementary School, Salamat Elementary School, Tawi Tawi State Regional Agricultural College, Tawi Tawi School of Arts and Trades, Panglima Arasia Elementary School, Luuk Pangdan Elementary School, Rosemin M. Sahali Elementary School, Hji Yahiya Biste Elementary School while ensuring that alternative backhaul for community internet is made available.

To this date, Bongao-Salug Cable TV has connected dozens of areas of social impact, and more sites are getting online. Previously disparate communities are also being united through satellite internet.