DICT eyes satellite-to-mobile tech to keep Filipinos connected during disasters

• Courtesy of DICT

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is urging the wider use of satellite-to-mobile technology to keep Filipinos connected when disasters disrupt traditional telecommunications infrastructure.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said emerging satellite technologies could provide an additional communications lifeline during typhoons, earthquakes, power outages, and other emergencies, particularly when cell towers or fiber networks are damaged.

“Connectivity is not a luxury during a disaster; it is a lifeline. When cell towers go down, or fiber cables are damaged, we need other ways to keep our people connected,” Aguda said.

Satellite-to-mobile, also known as direct-to-device or direct-to-cell technology, allows compatible mobile phones to communicate with satellites, potentially extending basic connectivity to areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.

The development marked a step toward using satellite connectivity not only to reach remote and underserved areas but also as an alternative communications channel when terrestrial infrastructure is disrupted.

For the Philippines, which regularly experiences typhoons and other natural hazards, the DICT sees satellite connectivity as another layer that can complement existing telecommunications infrastructure rather than replace terrestrial networks.

The agency is encouraging both the public and telecommunications companies to maximize emerging technologies that can help maintain communications during disasters and emergencies.