The Philippine government is seeking to strengthen its partnership with SpaceX to expand satellite broadband access and explore future space initiatives, the state-controlled Philippine News Agency reported.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque met with SpaceX executives in Hawthorne, California on March 5 to discuss improving internet connectivity, supporting digital learning, and advancing e-government and e-commerce services, the report said.
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, operates satellite internet service provider Starlink.
“Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury —it’s a necessity. With Starlink’s cutting-edge satellite technology, we can ensure that even the most geographically isolated communities in the Philippines have access to fast and reliable internet,” Roque said.
“This is a crucial step in empowering our businesses, improving education and government services, and strengthening disaster resilience.”
READ ALSO: China is building its own satellites to compete with Starlink
First in Southeast Asia
Reports said the Philippines, the first in Southeast Asia to adopt Starlink, now has over 100,000 subscribers and 13 ground gateway sites.
SpaceX has deployed 30,000 terminals since its 2023 launch, bringing high-speed internet to areas lacking fiber infrastructure.
Aside from improving connectivity infrastructure, the discussions included a potential human spaceflight program that could send the first Filipino to space.
The DTI chief also highlighted government efforts to attract high-tech investments, including the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) law and the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act, which aims to streamline regulations and promote fair competition in telecommunications.
How does Starlink work?
Instead of relying on distant, stationary satellites, Starlink uses a massive network of satellites orbiting much closer to Earth, in what’s called Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
This close proximity dramatically reduces latency, the frustrating delay you experience when using the internet.
Ground stations on Earth beam internet signals up to these satellites. The satellites then act like relay stations, passing the signals between each other and down to your home. Starlink even uses lasers to transmit data directly between satellites, further enhancing global coverage.
To receive this internet from space, users install a small, specialized dish that communicates directly with the satellites overhead. This user terminal captures the signals and connects you to the internet.
The result? Starlink offers significantly lower latency, faster speeds, and broader coverage than traditional satellite internet. This means smoother streaming, faster downloads, and reliable internet access in areas where it was previously unavailable. Essentially, Starlink creates a dynamic “mesh network” in space, bringing the internet to you, no matter where you are on Earth.
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