U.S. partners with PHL to improve broadband access

THE U.S. Embassy in the Philippines awarded a Php 23.8 million grant to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to support implementation of the Philippines National Broadband Network Project.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio, Jr. signed the grant during a ceremony at DICT headquarters on February 7.

The grant, issued through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA),will fund technical assistance to help DICT advance its plans to provide broadband access to underserved markets throughout the Philippines.  The advisors, who will be selected by DICT from qualified U.S. firms, will assist DICT in refining technical and operational designs, assessing future market demand, and preparing documentation required for the financing and implementation of the network.

“The U.S. is a strong friend, partner, and ally of the Philippines, and I am proud to expand our partnership in technology and communications,” said Ambassador Kim. “This grant supports the Philippine government’s goal of improving connectivity across the country and transitioning towards a digital economy.”

USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

USTDA Acting Director Thomas R. Hardy explained, “This grant demonstrates USTDA’s commitment to supporting the development of quality information and communications infrastructure and broadband capabilities in the Philippines.  At the same time, this project will expand opportunities for U.S. companies to deliver innovative technologies and solutions in the Philippines market.”