March 29, 2024

The Department of Information and Communication Technology is bringing in a 10 gigabits per second (GBPS) wireless bandwidth in the region to boost the region’s Internet connectivity.

This was contained in the DICT-Cordillera’s Wireless Backbone Network proposal that was presented during the second quarter meeting of the Sub-committee on Communications of the Regional Development Council’s Infrastructure Committee.

Engr. Alexander Padua of DICT-Cordillera Technical Operations Division said the project aims to accelerate the Internet connectivity of the provinces in the region, which will then be expanded to the remote communities.

He added through the Wireless Backbone Network, DICT can also set up integration points for its other programs and projects like the Free Wifi for All, Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and Technology for Economic Development.

The DICT-Cordillera is surveying/listing government facilities with the location and coordinates; privately owned facilities that are possible for co-location such as a local electric company’s fiber optics cable, radio systems, communication towers, and vacant lots that are possible sites for tower/relay station.

The agency is pushing for co-location facilities among local government units, national government agencies, and private entities for the realization of the 10 GBPS Wireless Backbone Network for the Cordillera.

The DICT has an initial agreement with the provincial government of Benguet and is planning to talk with the other LGUs in the region for the endeavor.

The DICT-Cordillera is now headed by newly appointed director Pinky Tumaliuan Jimenez. – Carlito Dar