USTDA, Philippines partner for AI-enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity

MANILA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is advancing American AI dominance and deepening the U.S.-Philippines Alliance by piloting AI-enhanced U.S.-made Wi-Fi access points in strategic locations across the Philippines.

USTDA announced an agreement with Philippines ICT company ComClark Network and Technology Corporation (ComClark) to fund a pilot project to assess viability for a nationwide network of paid public Wi-Fi access points.

The project will open new markets for American AI while providing trusted, reliable internet connectivity to over 600,000 Filipinos, including along the Luzon Economic Corridor. The agreement was announced during the USTDA-sponsored Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum.

“By facilitating the deployment of world-class U.S. AI and connectivity solutions in the Philippines, USTDA is advancing America’s global technology leadership while enabling our partners to build superior digital infrastructure,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director.

“Projects like this deepen our strategic partnership with the Philippines while demonstrating how American innovation delivers mutual benefits for both our nations.”

ComClark has selected California-based Connectivity Capital LLC to conduct the study, which will pilot equipment at six public sites to assess market demand, technical requirements, commercial feasibility, and financing options, preparing for nationwide deployment at up to 7,840 locations by 2030.

Deploying access points and associated enabling infrastructure will create substantial opportunities to export trusted U.S. solutions, including fixed broadband hardware and AI software and services.

The project will address a critical connectivity gap in the Philippines by expanding access to higher-speed broadband services for Filipino citizens. The project will establish reliable, affordable public Wi-Fi at community centers and schools, providing consistent, high-quality internet connectivity that can support data-intensive consumer AI applications.

ComClark CEO Dennis Anthony Uy said: “ComClark has always been committed to providing world-class fiber connectivity to unserved and underserved areas across the Philippines. Thus, we are grateful to USTDA for funding this study that will power communities along the Luzon Economic Corridor with AI-enhanced Wi-Fi.”

“By deploying U.S. technology through this project, we will revolutionize public Wi-Fi access in the Philippines as consumers will be able to utilize data-intensive AI applications. This translates to a significant developmental impact in far-flung areas,” added ComClark Chief Operations Officer Benedicto Bulatao.