PLDT, AST SpaceMobile test space-based broadband
Philippines’ largest fully integrated telco company PLDT announced its intention to conduct space-based cellular broadband testing in the country with the help of its US-based partner AST SpaceMobile.
In a statement, PLDT disclosed that its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. and AST SpaceMobile recently presented their plans to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
With both agencies’ approval, they are planning to conduct tests of AST’s BlueWalker 3 satellite, which is “being designed to communicate directly with unmodified mobile phones from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.”
“Smart will be the first to test this technology in the Philippines,” it added.
In a phone interview, DICT Acting Secretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic said the technology “seems feasible” through the specific testing areas that have not yet been determined.
PLDT noted that the satellite technology could be used in disaster preparedness and resiliency efforts. The service is also expected to reach remote areas to enable online learning, e-commerce, and online banking for indigenous peoples in the mountains and farmers in rural areas, and cater to Filipinos out at sea.
