Elon Musk’s Starlink seen to operate in Bataan, rest of PH
ELON Musk’s Starlink will soon operate in Bataan and in the whole country after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Friday approved the registration of Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc. (Starlink), allowing the satellite Internet provider to provide its services in the country.
According to NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, “Starlink’s operation in the country has been approved as a value-added service (VAS) provider, allowing direct access to satellite systems and the construction and operation of broadband facilities.”
Earlier, Bataan Congressman Joet S. Garcia said that they, including FAB top officials led by Administrator Emmanuel Pineda, had the chance to talk with Musk Senior Manager for Government Affairs, Rebecca Hunter, and Starlink Market Access Director Ryan Goodnight, in Peninsula Hotel, Makati City where they proposed availing of Starlink Internet services in Bataan.
Rep. Garcia, now incoming governor, said that there was a possible partnership between American billionaire and SpaceX founder Elon Musk to boost the Internet connection in Bataan and the country after Musk’s top managers and Bataan and Freeport Area top officials discussed the Starlink satellite services recently here.
Rep. Garcia is known for being knowledgeable in IT (Information Technology).
“The NTC is steadfast in helping ensure that Starlink’s Internet access services roll-out will be done expeditiously and professionally,” Cordoba said in a statement.
Starlink’s service is scheduled to be up and running in the Philippines by the fourth quarter, according to its website, as reported by Nikkei Asia.
News reports said the Philippines would be the first country in Southeast Asia to offer Starlink’s services, which are provided through advanced, low-orbit satellites.
Once operated, Starlink broadband service gives the Filipinos even in remote areas to enjoy low latency Internet services such as video calls, online gaming, streaming, and other “high data” activities that were previously difficult with regular satellite Internet.
Its operation is expected to start in the 4th quarter of this year.
