PH planning to be 1st SEA country to use internet via satellite tech
The Philippines is looking to be the first Southeast Asian (SEA) nation to use the internet via satellite technology via Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX).
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said that they are expecting to see a fully-operational unit of SpaceX in the remaining three months of the Duterte administration.
Lopez said that the amendment of the Public Service Act (PSA) — which allows full-foreignowenserhip of public services in the country — was a “critical factor” in the company’s decision to go through with their investment in the Philippines.
The DTI chief said the company is finalizing its initial investments here, but it is already in the process of selecting sites for gateways.
SpaceX will provide internet services in the country using its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network constellation called Starlink, which has over 1,600 satellites as of middle of 2021.
Unlike our existing system here, satellite internet services could reach rural areas, giving them full internet access whenever they need it.
The Board of Investments (BOI) said that they are ready to facilitate the application of SpaceX for its registration under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan.
