Bitget Launches Starlink Program to Provide Reliable Internet Access to Underserved Communities in the Philippines

Aiming to provide reliable internet access and lay the foundation for future blockchain education and financial inclusion, web3 company Bitget has launched its Starlink Program.

The initiative will install high-speed satellite internet in two underserved island communities in the Philippines.

It will start in Siargao, an island in the province of Surigao Del Norte, specifically at Espoir School of Life, a non-profit organization that provides free education to underprivileged children, and at one of the public schools in Barangay Pitogo.

Espoir students are limited to offline-only learning, while Barangay Pitogo villagers remain isolated due to poor connectivity.

Starlink kits at these two educational institutions are expected to go live this May, with immediate benefits for Espoir students, like interactive lessons and future blockchain workshops, and improved disaster resilience for Barangay Pitogo.

“Bitget’s initiative shows a growing recognition in the crypto industry: Adoption starts with access. By addressing infrastructure barriers first, the exchange is creating a replicable model for other underserved regions.”

Siargao residents have long depended on unstable microwave radio connections, resulting in frequent outages, slow internet, and digital exclusion.

This program addresses chronic connectivity issues that have long limited access to education, health care, and economic opportunity in remote areas.

“Without stable internet, entire communities are locked out of modern education, remote work, and even basic services like telemedicine. This isn’t just about connectivity, it’s about equity. Internet access shouldn’t be a privilege, it’s the foundation for everything from education to decentralized finance. We’re building doors to the digital world one island at a time.”

The rollout includes six months of connectivity to support online learning, teacher development, and access to digital public services.

Each area was allotted a ₱155,400 investment covering hardware, subscriptions, and logistics.

It also serves as a foundation for the company’s broader initiatives, including the $10 million Blockchain4Youth and Blockchain4Her programs, which aim to provide blockchain education and digital finance training to students and women-led cooperatives.

The web3 company will document the program’s impact through community stories and reports.

“As Bitget scales this program, the message is clear: crypto’s future isn’t just about markets, it’s about people. And sometimes, changing lives starts with something as simple as an internet signal.”

Expansion to nearby islands is already being considered through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations and government units.

In March, Bitget hosted its “PayFi Event” in Siargao to promote blockchain-based payments in tourism by helping local businesses accept crypto through its Bitget Wallet. The event featured forums, markets, and social gatherings to showcase real-world crypto adoption and support financial inclusion.

Following the success of the event, the company announced last month that it plans to expand its PayFi initiative to popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, including Palawan, La Union, Dumaguete, and Boracay.

Recently, Bitget presented its global strategy at TOKEN2049 Dubai, highlighting the growth of its $BGB token and hosting the exclusive Cryptoverse Dream Night.

In the first quarter of 2025, Bitget burned 30 million $BGB tokens, which are valued at around $130 million, under its revised quarterly burn mechanism designed to reduce supply and boost token value.

The firm also launched Bitget Onchain, a new platform that enables users to access on-chain assets directly through the Bitget app using $USDT or $USDC.