Batangas will become the first province in the Philippines to bring LED (Light Emitting Diode)-based smart technology for free public WiFi and CCTV coverage.
The provincial government forged an agreement with Korean technology firm, Korecen, which will install 90 LED street lights in the Provincial Capitol which are equipped with WiFi internet connectivity and CCTV cameras.
This will benefit the city in terms of cost-savings and environment-friendly street lighting; free WiFi for Batagueños within the coverage radius, plus significant CCTV coverage for traffic management and security.
LED lights consume 70% less electricity than their halogen counterpart for the same degree of brightness. LED lights are also known to last up to 10 times longer.
Korecen’s local partner, Perl Tech Consulting International Inc. (PTCII), will be providing data connectivity for the LED Security Lights with WiFi and CCTV.
The local partner will also help the provincial government develop a command center where the CCTV video feeds will be received and monitored.
PTCII plans to use TV White Space (TVWS) technologies to provide wireless Internet connectivity for the WiFi Hotspots as well as the transmission of video feeds from the CCTV cameras embedded in the LED Lights.
Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas looks forward to bringing the benefits of the new green and smart technology to his constituents.
“We are not buying anything. There’s no extra cost to the province. We are very thankful they are introducing their products here. If the proof of concept works out, we can implement this for the entire province.”
“The 70% savings in energy costs will be immediately felt by the residents of Batangas,” according to Korecen President and CEO Suk Oh.
“CCTVs can allow the province to manage its resources effectively, manage traffic flow, as well as deter crime. WiFi Internet Access for Batangueños can provide access to Internet content and services that they can use to improve their lives.”
World bank studies showed that every 10% increase in broadband penetration in an area results in 1.38% increase in gross domestic product (GDP), Internet access , provides better access to educational materials and information and an essential part of e-commerce allowing locals to expand the markets for their goods and services.
For its part, PTCII is optimistic that the smart and green initiative of Batangas can be replicated in the entire country.
If the Philippines adopt the technology, it can be a game changer on many levels, translating to less power consumption, better and faster internet access.
