ELON MUSK’S STARLINK SET TO BEGIN SERVICES IN PH

Consumers may be able to tap the services of Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc., a unit of tech billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX, by the second half following the installation of its satellite gateway, according to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

On Friday, NTC announced the approval of Starlink’s registration as a value-added service (VAS) provider, which is seen to improve much-needed internet access service expansion across the country in the advent of a massive digital shift.

The internet service provider, with its VAS license, can now access satellite systems and operate broadband facilities to provide connectivity to the public. Its certificate of registration is valid beginning May 26, 2022 up to April 14, 2023.

“Expected in three months, they may complete installation of the [satellite] gateway,” Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios told the Inquirer.

First country in SEA

This means that Starlink’s internet services may be available around August.

The Philippines is set to be the first country in Southeast Asia (SEA) where the SpaceX division will offer satellite-based internet services.

The internet offering, which is expected to be cost effective, targets the underserved and unserved urban, suburban and rural areas.

It has high speed low latency satellite internet service whose download speed ranges from 100 megabits per second (Mbps) to 200 Mbps.

“Using advanced satellites in a low orbit, Starlink will enable video calls, online gaming, streaming and other high data activities that historically have not been possible with satellite internet,” NTC noted.