US to help PH improve broadband service
THE United States (US) wants to help the Philippines further improve its digital economy by launching a satellite broadband service and providing digital opportunities to small businesses.
The White House provided this information in a fact sheet regarding the visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to the Philippines.
It said the US Agency for International Development (USAid) supports the launch of the first “low earth orbit” satellite broadband service in Southeast Asia, in partnership with SpaceX Starlink, in the Philippines.
“Satellite broadband service will provide reliable and affordable internet access to marginalized populations throughout the Philippines, thereby improving access to education, professional training, and opportunity,” it added.
Likewise, the US Trade and Development Agency intends to partner with Philippine telecom operator NOW Telecom for the deployment of 5G technologies.
These efforts will provide faster and more reliable digital services and increased broadband internet access for Filipinos countrywide, the White House said.
The USAid will also launch a new Strengthening Private Enterprises for the Digital Economy (Speed) award, a 5-year project that seeks to expand the participation of small and medium enterprises in the country’s emerging e-commerce ecosystem.
The Speed launch will include the nationwide launch of the “Philippine e-Commerce Alliance” that will signal an industry-wide commitment to accelerating the rise of the Philippine digital economy.
This program will promote the use of digital technologies to accelerate competitiveness, drive innovation, fuel job opportunities, and enhance the market reach of enterprises.
The USAid plans to support the new advanced manufacturing workforce development alliance.
Leveraging $5.3 million in private sector contributions from seven Philippine companies, this public-private partnership will work with government, industry, and academe to create a highly skilled and adaptive workforce that meets the evolving requirements of the high-tech manufacturing sector.