Sen. Grace Poe wants franchise granted to Starlink

Sen. Grace Poe (Joseph B. Vidal/Senate Social Media Unit)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe has filed a bill seeking to grant a franchise to Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc. to provide internet access to remote areas.

The franchise will be on top of Starlink’s accreditation as a Satellite Systems Provider and Operator by the Department of Information and Communications Technology and be registered as a Value-Added Service provider by the National Telecommunications Commission.

READ: Starlink now in PH

According to Poe, the legislative franchise would further improve Starlink’s services by allowing it to construct and operate gateway earth stations.

“Starlink is seen to bridge the digital gap by providing satellite-based internet connectivity in areas not covered by traditional terrestrial networks and in remote areas where it is difficult to build telecommunications infrastructure,” Poe said in filing Senate Bill. No. 2844.

“The use of satellite technology is particularly well-suited in an archipelago like the Philippines, where large portions of the population live in rural areas and isolated islands,” she added.

Under the bill, Starlink will be authorized to connect or demand connection of its telecommunications systems to other telecommunications systems operated in the Philippines.

READ: Starlink speed has yet to match local telco services

It seeks to mandate Starlink to improve and extend its services in “unserved and underserved areas, geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, and in hazard and typhoon areas as determined by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.”

“The harsh reality of internet service in the country is reflected in the most recent national census which found that only 56.1 percent of Filipino households can access the internet at home while 42.1 percent can access it via mobile broadband networks,” Poe said.

“Poor internet access limits the opportunities available to Filipinos, particularly for low-income households. The entry of a new player brings bright prospects in our telecommunications industry,” she added.