CONNECT - Cable Operators Networks Neutral Exchange for Community Transformation

Project Overview

Mission

Transform small and mid-sized cable TV operators into key players in bridging the digital divide, particularly in underserved and remote communities of the Philippines.

Approach

Establish open, software-defined Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and deploy community-based wireless and fiber-optic networks through deep community engagement and civic partnerships.

Target Communities

Binangonan (Rizal Province)
Science City of Muñoz (Nueva Ecija Province)
Surrounding barangays

Key Achievements

2

IXPs Deployed
(SCIMIX & CONNECT-IX)

26km

Fiber Backbone
+ 8km Drop Cable

35

Public WiFi
Access Points

8,900+

Users Connected
to Community WiFi

4

Barangays
Interconnected

40

Barangays Planned
for Expansion

Project Activities

Infrastructure Deployment

Software-defined IXPs (SCIMIX and CONNECT-IX)
26 km fiber backbone installation
8 km drop cable deployment
35 public WiFi access points

Capacity Building

BGP training for cable operators
SDN training programs
Community tech contact training
APNIC membership applications

Community Engagement

Community-led fiber installation
Partnership with Rotary Club
Local government collaboration
Telehealth and e-learning facilities

Academic Integration

Eduroam-enabled public nodes
Research connectivity support
University partnerships
Best paper awards and publications

Partner Organizations

University of the Philippines Diliman

Lead academic institution

Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)

Technical research partner

Telmarc Cable Corporation

Cable operator partner

Central Luzon State University (CLSU)

Regional academic partner

PREGINET

Network infrastructure partner

Rotary Club of Marikina North

Community service partner

Local Government Units

Binangonan and participating barangays

SEAFDEC

Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center

SDG Impact

SDG 4

Quality Education through eLearning via public WiFi

SDG 9

Innovation & Infrastructure with IXP and SDN deployment

SDG 10

Reduced Inequalities through rural digital access

SDG 11

Sustainable Cities & Communities via civic-built connectivity

SDG 17

Partnerships for the Goals with TEIN, Rotary, LGUs, and academia

Future Directions

Expansion Plans

Scale to 40 barangays in Binangonan
Replicate model in other developing countries
Extend to remote islands

Policy Influence

Support open-access infrastructure
Recognize community networks in broadband plans
Advocate for streamlined regulations

Service Growth

Expand Eduroam coverage
Enhance NREN connectivity
Improve research access

Sustainability

Community ownership models
Long-term partnerships
Knowledge transfer programs