Army offers free internet to students in 4 far-flung detachments

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11, 2022): Army offers free internet to students in 4 far-flung detachments

VSAT INSTALLATION. Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division troops install a solar-powered very small aperture terminal (VSAT) in one of their far-flung detachments to strengthen and enhance the capability in terms of communications of the soldiers in this undated photo. The communication equipment is also a big help to students with online classes as it gives free internet access to the communities. (Photo by the Army's 7th ID)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija –The Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) has installed very small aperture terminals (VSAT) in four far-flung detachments to strengthen and enhance communications among military troops and even for students having online classes.

Major General Andrew D. Costelo, commander of the 7ID, said on Tuesday the systems were installed at the Patrol Base of 24th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Talipugo, Barangay Buneg, Lacub Abra; 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion in Barangay Dimanayat, San Luis, Aurora; 70th Infantry in Sitio Macua, Barangay Kabayunan, Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan; and 84th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Bin-bin, Barangay General Luna, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

The first VSAT was installed on Oct. 13, 2021 while the last was put up on December 21.

Costelo said the newly installed communication equipment is also a big help to students having their online classes as it gives free internet access to the communities.

“Natutuwa ang inyong kasundaluhan dahil hindi lang nagagamit ng tropa ang VSAT para sa mabilis na pagbato ng impormasyon sa mga battalion headquarters in terms of their operations, naging malaking tulong din ito sa mga estudyante at guro na ngayon ay kinakailangan ang internet para maipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaaral (The military is happy because the VSAT is not only being used for faster delivery of information to the battalion headquarters in terms of their operation but also a big help to the students and teachers who need internet for schooling),” he said in social media post.

The installation of the communication equipment is part of the implementation of the Army Modernization Act that aims to improve the performance of the troops in its field operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1165096