NOCCI, DICT Install 85 Starlink Dishes for Free WiFi in Negros Oriental

Under the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (NOCCI’s) multi-awarded FreeWiFi PPP Project with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), 85 STARLINK Satellite dishes will be installed in 25 LGUs, 40 public schools, 5 hospitals, and 20 public plazas under the newly-created Negros Island Region (NIR).

During the Turn-Over Ceremony of the FreeWiFi equipment, President Du expressed his gratitude to DICT for its continued support to NOCCI’s Flagship FreeWiFi project.

NOCCI and DICT Launch 85 Starlink Satellites for Free WiFi in Negros Island Region

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), recently launched a significant expansion of its multi-awarded FreeWiFi Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project. Through this initiative, 85 Starlink satellite dishes will be installed across the newly-created Negros Island Region (NIR), connecting public institutions and remote areas to high-speed internet.

The Turn-Over Ceremony, held to mark the distribution of FreeWiFi equipment, was attended by NOCCI President Edward Du, who expressed his gratitude to the DICT for its steadfast support of the project. The installation will cover 25 local government units (LGUs), 40 public schools, five hospitals, and 20 public plazas, making it a major step forward in bridging the digital divide in the region.

Starlink: Connecting Negros Oriental’s Remote Areas

With the installation of 85 Starlink satellite dishes, NOCCI and DICT aim to provide fast and reliable internet access to underserved and remote areas. Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, uses low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed broadband internet, even in areas where traditional internet infrastructure is not feasible.

This partnership between NOCCI and DICT is a critical component of the government’s broader efforts to increase digital inclusivity across the country. With the creation of the Negros Island Region, which consolidates Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental under one regional framework, the FreeWiFi project aligns with the region’s infrastructure and development goals.

President Edward Du highlighted the transformative impact of the project during his speech:

“The installation of Starlink satellite dishes in key public locations across Negros Oriental will change the way people access information and services. We are bringing connectivity to areas that have been left behind by traditional internet service providers. NOCCI is proud to lead this initiative, which supports education, healthcare, and governance through increased digital accessibility.”

Expanding Connectivity Across Negros Island

The initiative will primarily focus on delivering FreeWiFi services to vital public institutions, ensuring that students, teachers, healthcare workers, and local government officials can benefit from high-speed internet access. The following locations will benefit from the Starlink installations:

• 25 Local Government Units (LGUs): These installations will enable municipalities and barangays to improve governance, deliver public services more efficiently, and provide their citizens with better access to online resources.
• 40 Public Schools: With internet connectivity in schools, educators and students will have access to online learning materials, research platforms, and communication tools that are essential in today’s digital age. This will greatly support the Department of Education’s digital learning initiatives, particularly in rural areas.
• 5 Hospitals: Improved connectivity in hospitals will ensure that healthcare providers can access up-to-date medical information, telemedicine platforms, and better patient data management systems, ultimately enhancing patient care.
• 20 Public Plazas: In addition to government and educational facilities, public plazas will also be outfitted with Starlink dishes, offering residents free access to WiFi in community spaces. This is particularly beneficial for residents without home internet, allowing them to stay connected and access online services.

DICT’s support has been instrumental in enabling this broad expansion of the FreeWiFi project. The collaboration between NOCCI and DICT demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in addressing infrastructure gaps and improving public services.

NOCCI’s Flagship FreeWiFi Project: A Legacy of Digital Inclusion

NOCCI’s FreeWiFi Project has garnered national recognition for its innovative approach to digital inclusivity. By partnering with DICT, NOCCI has helped create a platform that enables local government units to offer free internet access in key public areas. The project is not just about providing connectivity; it is also about empowering local communities to harness the potential of the digital world for education, business, and governance.

During the Turn-Over Ceremony, NOCCI President Edward Du expressed his gratitude to DICT for its continued support and recognized the significance of expanding internet access in the newly-created Negros Island Region:

“We are grateful to DICT for their unwavering support in our mission to bring connectivity to Negros. This project is a testament to the power of partnerships between government and the private sector. By providing internet access to public institutions, we are opening up a world of opportunities for our people—be it in education, healthcare, or simply the ability to stay connected with loved ones. This project is an investment in our future.”

Economic and Social Impact of Increased Connectivity

The expanded FreeWiFi coverage is expected to have far-reaching economic and social benefits. With greater connectivity, public institutions can provide more efficient services to residents, reducing bureaucratic delays and making essential services more accessible. Additionally, the boost in internet access can help local entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially in rural areas, leverage online platforms for e-commerce, marketing, and networking.

Furthermore, the installation of FreeWiFi in schools will be a game-changer for education in Negros. With many schools still facing resource shortages, having access to the internet means students and teachers can tap into global knowledge resources, engage in distance learning, and collaborate with others more effectively.

In healthcare, reliable internet access in hospitals can enable telemedicine, improve access to medical information, and streamline communication between healthcare providers, ensuring better patient outcomes.

Paving the Way for Future Projects

NOCCI and DICT’s success in rolling out Starlink satellite dishes across Negros Oriental serves as a model for similar projects in other regions. As digital infrastructure becomes more essential to everyday life, initiatives like the FreeWiFi project demonstrate the importance of investing in connectivity solutions that reach even the most remote and under served areas.

The collaboration between NOCCI and DICT sets the stage for future projects aimed at improving digital infrastructure in Negros Island Region and beyond. As technology continues to evolve, NOCCI is committed to finding innovative ways to support the region’s growth and development through enhanced digital accessibility.

With the successful expansion of NOCCI’s FreeWiFi PPP Project in partnership with DICT, 85 Starlink satellite dishes will soon be providing high-speed internet access to under served communities in Negros Island Region. This initiative represents a significant step forward in digital inclusion, ensuring that public institutions, students, and citizens alike can benefit from enhanced connectivity.