PLDT aims to reach far-flung areas via ‘cell site in the sky’

Telco titan PLDT Inc. and its subsidiary Smart communications Inc. are studying the possibility of deploying space-based mobile broadband communications to reach far-flung areas in the Philippines.

This development comes after Smart signed a memorandum of understanding with AST Spacemobile Inc., a Us-based satellite company that is building a cellular broadband network in space.

“This innovative space-based cellular broadband communication connects directly to our cellphones; no special device is needed. as a supplement to our mobile coverage, this can fill the gap in providing our services to the deepest rural and remote areas in the country, so our customers can remain connected,” said Mario g. Tamayo, Head of Technology at PLDT and Smart.

He noted that the “cell site in the sky” will complement the group’s 4g and 5g rollout, as satellite broadband provides an alternative source of connection for a “disaster-prone” country like the Philippines.

once launched, the service is expected to cover hard-to-reach areas, enabling online learning for students, e-commerce and online banking for indigenous peoples in the mountains and farmers in rural areas, and cater to Filipinos out at sea.

“In this latest innovation, lowearth orbit satellites of AST Spacemobile will be explored to deliver 4g and 5g signal to mobile devices of Smart customers. compared to geo satellites, leo satellites are significantly closer to earth at around 700 kms, allowing them to deliver higher bandwidth with lower latency and communicate with regular smartphones, “said arvin l. Siena, Head of Technology Strategy and Transformation office at PLDT and Smart.

Smart has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AST Spacemobile Inc., an american company that is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network.

Under the MOU, the two companies will “explore opportunities” for the introduction of space-based cellular broadband services in rural areas in the Philippines.

“our collaboration with Smart to look into opportunities to offer the Spacemobile service to their customers in rural communities would allow the company to offer affordable broadband cellular access to the unconnected for the first time ever,” said abel avellan, chairman and ceo of AST Spacemobile.this new agreement with Smart adds to Spacemobile’s existing agreements and understandings with mobile network operators which collectively cover approximately 1.4 billion mobile subscribers.

“This collaboration between Smart and AST Spacemobile strongly supports this vision, as we continue to invest in our networks and explore the most relevant innovations that will enable us to continue expanding the reach of our services alongside delivering exceptional customer experience across the Philippines’s more than 7,000 islands,” Smart President alfredo S. Panlilio said.

He added that the new satellite communications technology will help his group to connect “the entire nation” to the Internet.