DICT invites bids for LEO satellite project

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday opened the bidding for the P179.49-million contract to provide low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAS).

In a bid notice, the DICT invited interested parties to submit proposals for the provision of internet access via LEO satellites for GIDAs.

According to the agency, connectivity will be provided in 396 locations in Luzon and 191 sites in Visayas and Mindanao.

LEO satellites have the potential to increase internet capacity and reduce data transmission delays. Such satellites typically orbit around 1,000 kilometers above Earth.

Bidders must submit proposals on or before July 27, it said, adding that prospective bidders should also have completed projects of similar kind at least five years from the date of submission to qualify in the bidding.

The DICT is working to provide internet access to far-flung and underserved areas via LEO to help bridge digital divide. — Ashley Erika O. Jose