Grant Amount: US$ 8,925

Keywords: WIRELESS, DISASTER, INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS, PHILIPPINES

Geographic coverage: Philippines

Objectives

The objectives are to pilot a wireless connectivity solution for rural communities in the Philippines and develop technical and procedural guidelines.
 
Research context

This project addresses the lack of access to information and communications technology (ICT) tools in marginalized sectors of society through the development of a wireless ‘last mile’ solution that provides low-cost connectivity to rural communities in the Philippines. As the solution is unconstrained by traditional cable capacity, it offers the higher bandwidth needed for efficient distribution of information and services to rural communities. This pilot project research and identify relevant technologies, develop technical and procedural guidelines, and form strategies and recommendations for the government and private sector on the establishment and operation of wireless connected communities. Rural communities benefit from efficient distribution of ICT-based information and services.

Target beneficiaries

• Investors and operators include the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), public telecommunications entities, small- and medium-sized information technology enterprises (SMITES) and other private firms;
• The Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) benefits from the identification and recommendation of different technologies available;
• The Commission in Information and Communications Technology (CICT) benefits from the technical and procedural guidelines formed by the project; and
• Rural communities in identified locations benefit from the inexpensive services the wireless facilities provide.

Outputs

• Develop technical and procedural guidelines for establishment of an economically and technically feasible wireless ‘last mile’ connectivity solution for a rural setting; 
• Establishment of a pilot wireless connected community; 
• Formulation of strategies for the establishment and continued operation of wireless connected communities for the government and private sector; and 
• Presentation of the results and recommendations from the pilot programme.

Duration

Start Date: January 2006
End Date: June 2006
Total Duration: 6 Months

Contact information

Denis F. Villorente, Director
Advanced Science and Technology Institute
ASTI Building, UP Technology Park Complex, C. P. Garcia Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 426 9766 / 67
Fax: +63 2 426 9756
Email: denis@asti.dost.gov.ph
 
Website: http://www.asti.dost.gov.ph