Atok, Benguet – The adoption of resilient community networks in the country takes a wide stride forward as the Resilient Education Information Infrastructure for the New Normal (REIINN) welcomes its first rapidly deployable antenna tower, developed by the DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), in partnership with the  DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI).

A rapidly deployable antenna tower is a type of tower that can be set up in a short time. It can also be retracted and relocated as the need arises. This paves the way for further research and development to establish resilient community networks in a faster and less intrusive manner.  The decision to temporarily retract the antenna during times of calamities to prevent destruction of equipment may rest with the community, thus empowering them to decide on their own network matters.

Personnel carrying the antenna mast and other equipment

Fig. 6a MIRDC Personnel Erecting the Antenna Mast

Fig. 6b MIRDC Personnel Erecting the Antenna Mast

Erected Antenna Mast

Antenna Mast Training with the Mr. Reynante P. Lucas, School Head of Naguey Elementary School

The antenna is currently deployed in Naguey Elementary School--expanding the benefits of high-speed satellite internet outside the school premises to the immediate community of Brgy. Naguey, Atok, Benguet.

A range test was also conducted to verify the coverage improvements using the NTC Fixed and Mobile Broadband Benchmarking System (NetMesh), a network speed test app developed by DOST-ASTI.

Netmesh test results after the installation of the new antenna mast

Naguey Elementary School representatives, DOST-ASTI REIINN Project Team, and staff from DOST-MIRDC pictured with the newly erected tower.

In addition, a training series was conducted for the community locals and leaders regarding the erection and retraction of the tower. As their practical exam, the locals were tasked to erect and retract the tower by themselves.

The accomplishment of the tower installation is a testament to the agency’s commitment in bridging the digital divide and in service to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in the country.

ABOUT PROJECT REIINN

Project REIINN proposes a collective approach to ensure the continuity of learning and to address the challenges brought about by the digital divide. The project aims to develop and implement innovative solutions to support distance learning and to address the digital divide in the country during and beyond the pandemic. Access to the internet and information is crucial even before the pandemic, as it prepares and equips individuals toward a burgeoning digital economy. The team believes that through technology-based interventions coupled with appropriate policies, access to the internet and information in unserved and underserved areas will be the new normal.