Undersecretary Marivic Castro, Chairman DFNN Ramon Garcia Jr., Rebecca Hunter, SpaceX, Secretary Manny Caintic, Undersecretary Alan Silor, Atty Ira Pozon, Director Omar Sana (from left to right). Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) speedy approval of SpaceX-Starlink’s requirements will allow the country to enjoy breakthrough internet services through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network constellation consisting of over 1,600 satellites.
Starlink promises to deliver up to 200 Mbps broadband speeds particularly on “geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA)” that is hard to reach with a fiber connection.
Starlink’s entry in the Philippines started with a privilege speech by Sen. Koko Pimentel at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, explaining how new technologies could be used to help alleviate the effects of the coronavirus in the daily life of Filipinos and accelerate economic growth during and after the pandemic. This was supported by Sen. Grace Poe and Rep. Sharon Garin, principal sponsors of the Public Services Act in the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively.
With continued private discussions with SpaceX for the company’s entry and President Rodrigo Duterte’s marking the Public Services Act as a priority bill, the Senate and House quickly ratified and approved the new measure on March 21.
The rapid actions of the Philippines bolstered renewed investment interest by SpaceX/Starlink’s to deploy their breakthrough internet services in the country.
In the meeting attended by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, SpaceX senior executives Rebecca Hunter and Ryan Goodnight, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios, and DFNN Executive Chairman Ramon Garcia Jr., the trade chief had stated his commitment to enable the launch of Starlink that is envisioned to provide better connectivity at a much faster broadband speed.
In just two months after the meetings with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the DICT through the NTC approved the registration of Starlink via the quick granting of a Satellite Systems Providers or Operators (SSPO) by the DICT to immediately allow registration as a Value Added Service (VAS) and setup as a satellite internet provider in the country.
READ: NTC OKs registration of Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service in PH
“DICT continues to provide an enabling environment especially for new players such as Starlink. In light with the R.A. 11647 that opens up our gates to more foreign players, SSPO accreditation is an acknowledgement from us that you are allowed to do business in the country. Please continue to follow our existing telecommunication laws and make sure to deliver faster and secure connectivity in our country,” said DICT Secretary Manny Caintic.
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