Local ISP secures US grant for study on internet access

MANILA, Philippines —  Local internet service provider Responsible Internet Sustainability Effort Inc. (RISE) has secured a grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for the conduct of a feasibility study to strengthen the delivery of internet services in the country.

“We awarded a grant to the Filipino company Responsible Internet Sustainability Effort, locally known as RISE, for a feasibility study that will help internet service providers in the Philippines to strengthen the delivery of high-quality and resilient internet services, especially in underserved communities,” USTDA director Enoh Ebong said in an online press briefing.

USTDA and RISE signed the grant agreement  at the sidelines of the 6th Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) held in Taguig City last Tuesday.

The grant amount was not available as of press time.

The feasibility study is aimed at supporting RISE’s efforts to expand carrier-neutral internet exchange infrastructure through its GetaFIX business unit.

RISE has chosen California-based Connectivity Capital LLC  to conduct the study.

“USTDA partners with companies like RISE to improve access to affordable and reliable internet connectivity for underserved communities in the Indo-Pacific. Planning the deployment of innovative technology is part of our strategy to promote inclusive economic growth,” Ebong said.

She said the project’s launch at the IPBF shows the US government’s commitment to promote trade, investment and economic cooperation with the Philippines.

The expansion of GetaFIX internet exchanges  will allow data to travel shorter distances to reach users, enhancing the speed and reliability of internet connectivity.

In addition, the project is expected to help drive demand for new data centers, which house internet exchange infrastructure.

This demand will create new business opportunities for US firms to forge partnerships in the country.

“We’re thrilled and honored that USTDA would choose to support GetaFIX, its members and partners in expanding to more communities,” RISE founder and CEO Rhett Jones, who also serves as GetaFIX founder said.

“Having grown to the Philippines’ largest internet exchange already, GetaFIX is ready to make an even bigger impact and keep living our motto ‘when we share everyone wins,’” Jones said further. –  Michael Punongbayan