Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. has expressed strong support for the adoption of satellite technology to deliver highly reliable internet connectivity to public schools in remote and underserved areas across the Philippines.
“Our goal must be to ensure that no learner is left behind simply because of geography,” Campos said. “By harnessing the power of satellite internet services, we can overcome physical barriers and bring digital access to schools that have long been out of reach of traditional infrastructure.”
Campos emphasized that equitable access to digital tools is critical to improving the quality of public education and preparing Filipino students for a globally competitive future.
Satellite connectivity offers a cost-effective and scalable solution, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), according to Campos.
He commended the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and all partners exploring innovative ways to close the connectivity gap in public schools.
“Investing in advanced solutions like satellite technology is not only timely—it is essential,” Campos said.
A staunch advocate of digital inclusion and educational reform, Campos called on both public and private stakeholders to collaborate in fast-tracking initiatives that will strengthen digital infrastructure in all learning environments.
“Our children deserve the best tools to learn, regardless of where they live,” Campos concluded. “Let us work together to make this vision a reality.”
The DICT earlier bared plans to deploy satellite internet services to provide connectivity to up to 15,000 of the country’s most isolated public schools.
Campos remains a staunch advocate of the government’s Free Wi-Fi for All Program, which aims to establish up to 50,000 public internet “hotspots” nationwide, providing Filipinos with free and password-free access to the internet.
At the same time, Campos reiterated his call for Congress to enact legislation that would empower regulators to mandate faster mobile internet speeds from private telecommunications companies (telcos).
“We need faster mobile internet to drive national productivity. Slow connectivity results in significant economic and personal efficiency losses,” said Campos, who is the husband of Makati City Mayor Abby Binay.
Campos is running for mayor of Makati in the upcoming midterm elections on Monday, while Mayor Binay is seeking a seat in the Senate.
Campos has been actively pushing for the passage of House Bill No. 10215, which seeks to reclassify high-speed internet as a basic telecommunications service—a right for every Filipino—rather than a value-added service.
Under the bill, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) would be empowered to set progressively increasing minimum mobile internet speed standards that telcos must meet within specified deadlines.
Telcos that fail to comply could face penalties of up to ₱1 million per day—or ₱365 million per year—until they meet the required benchmarks.|
