Telcos, GSMA partner for mobile education

SMART Communications Inc. and Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) are collaborating with the GSM Association (GSMA) in pursuing initiatives to propagate the use of mobile technology in education (mEducation) in under-served areas or places with limited connectivity.

Both Smart and Sun Cellular will participate in the workshop organized by the GSMA tomorrow until Sept. 25 in Manila to open new commercial opportunities for mEducation.

An on-site demonstration will also be held by GSMA in Cebu on Smart’s mEducation initiative.

The GSMA is the worldwide association of mobile operators and related companies devoted to supporting the standardizing, deployment and promotion of the GSM mobile telephone system.

“Smart is proud to partner with GSMA in this undertaking that aims to democratize access to quality education with the use of mobile technologies,” said Smart president and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno.

“Millions of Filipinos do not have access to formal education and the mobile platform has the potential to bridge this gap using technology-enabled solutions,” said DMPI president and CEO Orlando Vea.

During the workshop, the GSMA will present global evidence, insight, and future possibilities in the area of mEducation.

The DepEd and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will also be joining the workshop to provide information on the Philippine education landscape—the challenges, needs and areas where mEducation initiatives might contribute.

As an output, a multi-party cooperation agreement will be signed among the various stakeholders, including Smart and DMPI for the development of mobile solutions that will benefit Filipino learners.