Microsoft deploys TV White Space technology to provide Internet connectivity and free Skype calls to connect Yolanda survivors with their families, and through this kind of inflictions happened in any area of the world it is just fitting and timely to used this kind of technology to help rebuild nations that needs communications and connectivity such as this.
It has been more than two months since Supertyphoon Haiyan devastated Eastern Visayas and various efforts continue to take place to help rebuild communities.
In line with its commitment to create a lasting impact in the community through technology, Microsoft Philippines has deployed TV White Space technology in Visayas to enable Internet connectivity and free Skype calls to help Typhoon Yolanda-affected citizens communicate with their families here in the country and abroad.
Microsoft, together with the Department of Science and Technology Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST – ICTO), has placed a station of devices at evacuation centers where citizens can access Skype and enable a video call with their relatives and loved ones. One of these evacuation centers is the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus located at Palo, Leyte.
The Internet is being powered by TV White Space which utilizes unused TV channels (e.g., channel 3, channel 1, etc.) to enable connectivity. This technology was first utilized by a joint project of Microsoft, DOST – ICTO, and USAID to improve fisherfolk registration at Bohol. Then, it was used to provide connectivity to support relief efforts for the victims of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol in October 2013. Now, TV White Space is playing a role to provide Internet connectivity and much-needed communications for our kakabayans affected by Typhoon Yolanda last year.
Moreover, TV White Space technology is being utilized by government agencies such as DILG and DSWD among others to effectively coordinate for the continued relief efforts, and for the delivery of services needed for the rebuilding of communities. Microsoft has also provided free Skype calls credit to government and non-government agencies for better collaboration in facilitating necessary initiatives.
“At Microsoft, we are committed to create a real impact in the country through technology. In the wake of the disaster, we extend our knowledge, capabilities and resources to help the Filipinos at a time they need it the most,” said Karrie Ilagan, General Manager of Microsoft Philippines. “Through our disaster response programs, we hope to aid the government and non-profit organizations in efficiently conducting continued relief initiatives and rebuilding efforts for our affected citizens.”
“The TV White Space technology is an ideal medium to bridge the digital gap particularly in areas beyond the reach of commercial communications providers. And it is with this technology that we intend to provide connectivity for government offices for the delivery of essential services and disaster response initiatives,” said Undersecretary Louis Casambre of the DOST- ICTO.
In partnership with the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), Microsoft participated in the Disaster Preparedness Roadshow attended by stakeholders from public and private sectors. Microsoft conducted the Disaster Management session of the roadshow to share to stakeholders how to better leverage resources such as technology, and to present case studies on the value of investing in disaster preparedness. The roadshow ran in the following areas: Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga and Subic.
To know more about Microsoft’s TV Whitespace Technology pls. click this video link, http://research.microsoft.com/apps/video/default.aspx?id=179871
To know more about Microsoft’s disaster response initiatives, visit Microsoft Citizenship Blog. Visit Facebook/MicrosoftPhilippines, and @MicrosoftPH Twitter page.
