Campos backs satellite internet for remote public schools

Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. has thrown his support behind the use of satellite technology to deliver reliable internet access to public schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) 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 said satellite connectivity offers a cost-effective and scalable solution to bridge the digital divide and improve access to online educational resources in remote areas.

He lauded the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and its partners for 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.

The DICT recently announced its plan to deploy satellite internet services to around 15,000 of the most isolated public schools in the country as part of its broader push for digital inclusion.

Campos also renewed his call for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to fast-track efforts in expanding digital infrastructure and providing students nationwide with equitable learning tools.

“Our children deserve the best tools to learn, regardless of where they live,” he said. “Let us work together to make this vision a reality.”

A proponent of the government’s "Free Wi-Fi for All Program," Campos supports the establishment of 50,000 public internet hotspots nationwide to provide password-free access to Filipinos.

In addition, he reiterated his appeal for Congress to pass House Bill No. 10215, which seeks to classify high-speed internet as a basic telecommunications service and empower the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to mandate minimum speed standards for telcos.

“We need faster mobile internet to drive national productivity. Slow connectivity results in significant economic and personal efficiency losses,” Campos said.

The bill proposes penalties of up to P1 million per day for telcos that fail to meet performance benchmarks.

Campos, husband of Makati Mayor Abby Binay, is running for mayor in the 13 May midterm elections, while Binay is campaigning for a Senate seat.