BC Net, a preferred provider of IP technology solutions, seamless high-speed internet service, and voice/video over internet protocol (VoIP) communication, has won the contracts to provide broadband connectivity to 36 provincial branches of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) reaching as far as Ilocos Norte in the north to its southernmost branch in Sulu.
The awarding of the project to BC Net is part of DBP’s thrust to ensure availability of its online services at the head office to its provincial branches in order to better serve its customers. BC Net has installed lease line services (end to end data connectivity) via very small aperture terminal (VSAT) Ku band from their Makati headquarters to the 36 provincial branches.
BC Net was tapped for the project to ensure reliable connectivity for DBP branches, especially during calamities. In the wake of the recent disaster caused by Typhoon Odette, the DBP Naga branch lite unit in Cebu was able to serve its customers because of the immediate restoration of BC Net of their connectivity via VSAT in the absence of commercial power and the regular telecommunication lines. This is also true with DBP Aroroy in Masbate and DBP Ubay in Bohol when the typhoon-ravaged both provinces.
“We’re extremely honored and happy to be able to provide broadband connectivity to these DBP provincial branches. This takes us one step closer to fulfilling our goal of addressing the low internet penetration by supplying wireless connectivity to far-flung areas in the country,” said BC Net chair Dioceldo Sy.
This project is in line with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), and Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute’s (DOST-ASTI)’s goal of financial inclusion in the country by providing satellite internet services to improve banks’ connectivity in community areas, especially in remote locations.
Among the sites awarded by DBP to BC Net are in Virac, Catanduanes; Dolores, Eastern Samar; Abulug Cagayan Valley; Alegria, Cebu; M’lang, Cotabato; Banga, South Cotabato; Ubay, Bohol; Naga City, Cebu; Placer, Masbate; Siaton, Negros Oriental; Buenavista, Guimaras; Aroroy, Masbate; Tumauini, Isabela; Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte; Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental; Urdaneta, Pangasinan; Jolo, Sulu Province; Bunker, Bataan; San Jose, Dinagat Island; Siargao, Surigao del Norte; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and Baguio City, Benguet.
BC Net has also provided connectivity to DBP offices in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Ilagan City, Isabela; Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Lipa, Batangas; General Santos City, South Cotabato; Kidapawan, Cotabato; Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Iligan City, Lanao del Norte; Tacloban City, Leyte; Enrique, Negros Occidental (Bacolod); Tagum, Davao del Norte; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
The core capability of BC Net is setting up sites for broadband connectivity. It provides internet connectivity to companies for their own personal needs, and it also installs WiFi in public places such as coffee shops, fast food chains, dormitories, and various public places such as hospitals and school buildings, to service its’ clients customers.
BC Net also provides Satellite Mobile Internet which is extensively used in disaster and emergency events. These are Communication-on-the-move (COTM) and Communication-on-the-Pause (COTP).
Communication-on-the-move (COTM) is a vehicle equipped with a satellite antenna that automatically acquires connection to a satellite and maintains communication while the vehicle is moving.
Meanwhile, Communication-on-the-Pause (COTP) is a highly compact and portable satellite terminal designed for temporary use in a fixed location. It has fast set-up and auto pointing capability which is very convenient during emergency situations.