BSP Seeks Satellite Internet for Digital Payments in Remote Areas

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has initiated discussions with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to provide satellite internet connections to various parts of the country.

This strategic move is intended to support the central bank’s push for wider adoption of digital payments and financial literacy in remote communities.

Speaking at a briefing in Dumaguete City on Monday, BSP Deputy Governor Berna Puyat confirmed she is coordinating with DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda regarding the provision.

The proposal originally began in 2025, when Puyat requested assistance to improve public access to the BSP E-learning Academy (BELA).

The platform, which offers self-paced financial education, currently serves roughly 24,000 unique users. Puyat admitted this number is small relative to the national population.

She cited feedback from the public indicating that while there is interest in studying financial modules after working hours, poor internet reliability often prevents them from doing so.

The discussions have since evolved beyond education.

According to Puyat, Secretary Aguda recommended expanding the initiative to support the Paleng-QR Ph programme as well. This scheme promotes the use of QR codes for cashless transactions in wet markets and local transportation.

Puyat stated that the central bank is currently compiling a list of locations that require urgent internet reinforcement.

This data will guide the deployment of satellite services to ensure the digital payment system functions effectively.

To date, approximately 180 local government units have integrated the Paleng-QR framework into their jurisdictions.

By addressing the infrastructure gap, the BSP aims to ensure that digital banking conveniences and financial knowledge reach Filipinos regardless of their location.

Featured image by Phonlamaistudio via Freepik.

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