Kacific + Microsoft partner to reach 10 million people in APAC with internet access initiative – SatNews

Kacific and Microsoft Collaborate to Bring High-Speed Satellite Internet Access to Rural Educational and Healthcare Institutions in the Asia Pacific Region

Introduction

Kacific Broadband Satellites Group and Microsoft recently announced their collaboration to bring high-speed satellite internet access to 750 rural educational and healthcare institutions across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region over the next two years. This initiative aims to connect schools and healthcare centers in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Samoa, and Timor-Leste, with a geographical coverage of 10 million.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This collaboration between Kacific and Microsoft aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. The project contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by providing high-speed internet access to educational and healthcare institutions in rural areas.

The Airband Initiative

This project is part of Microsoft’s Airband initiative, which aims to close the digital divide by bringing together internet and energy providers, government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector. The collaboration between Kacific and Microsoft is a strategic alliance that plays a pivotal role in advancing access to connectivity and digital equity in critical markets.

Case Study: Palawan Baptist Hospital

Palawan Baptist Hospital in the Philippines serves as a case study for the transformative impact of the partnership between Kacific and Microsoft. The hospital previously faced challenges with unreliable and unaffordable connectivity, hindering its claims management system. However, with high-speed satellite internet access, the hospital has improved efficiency, communication between hospitals, and reduced costs for patients. This case study showcases how bridging the digital divide can transform lives.

Kacific’s Approach

Kacific’s approach to providing high-speed internet connectivity to developing countries prioritizes connecting education institutions and public health facilities. This approach aligns with their commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

Conclusion

This collaboration between Kacific and Microsoft will significantly expand high-speed affordable internet usage in isolated communities across the Asia Pacific region. By leveraging satellite technology, these institutions will have access to connectivity that was previously limited or non-existent. This partnership demonstrates the importance of strategic alliances in advancing digital equity and connectivity in critical markets.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the collaboration between Kacific Broadband Satellites Group and Microsoft to bring high-speed satellite internet access to rural educational and healthcare institutions in the Asia Pacific region. This initiative directly addresses SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. It also aligns with SDG 9, as it involves the development of infrastructure and innovation to provide internet connectivity. Additionally, the project contributes to SDG 10 by reducing inequalities in access to information and communication technologies. Lastly, the collaboration exemplifies SDG 17 by promoting partnerships between different stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.c: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers.
• Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.
• Target 10.c: By 2030, reduce to less than 3% the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5%.
• Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are as follows:
– Target 4.c is addressed by the collaboration’s aim to improve education by providing high-speed internet access to educational institutions.
– Target 9.c is addressed by the initiative’s goal to increase access to information and communication technologies through satellite internet connectivity.
– Target 10.c is indirectly addressed as the project aims to reduce inequalities in access to internet connectivity, which can contribute to reducing transaction costs and improving communication for migrant populations.
– Target 17.6 is addressed through the partnership between Kacific and Microsoft, which involves international cooperation and knowledge sharing to achieve the goal of providing internet access to underserved communities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 4.c.1: Proportion of teachers in primary education who have received at least the minimum organized teacher training (implied).
• Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of the population covered by a mobile network, by technology (implied).
• Indicator 10.c.1: Remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted (not mentioned in the article).
• Indicator 17.6.1: Number of science and/or technology cooperation agreements and projects between countries (not mentioned in the article).

The article does not explicitly mention indicators related to the identified targets. However, based on the content, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets:
– Indicator 4.c.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 4.c by assessing the proportion of teachers in primary education who have received the necessary training to effectively utilize the internet connectivity provided.
– Indicator 9.c.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 9.c by evaluating the proportion of the population covered by the satellite internet network.
– Indicator 10.c.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.c by monitoring the remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted, which indirectly relates to the project’s goal of reducing transaction costs for migrant populations.
– Indicator 17.6.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 17.6 by tracking the number of science and/or technology cooperation agreements and projects established between countries involved in the collaboration.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: news.satnews.com

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