Lawmakers from both houses of Congress have given their approval to the Philippine government’s initiative to acquire internet satellites aimed at providing connectivity to even the most remote areas in the country. The plan involves a partnership between Astranis Space Technologies Corp. and Orbits Corp., which recently sealed a deal during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the United States. The collaboration will see the launch of two MicroGEO satellites designed to bring internet services to underserved regions, covering up to 10 million users and 30,000 barangays.
Senator Francis Tolentino, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, emphasized the significant economic impact of enhanced internet connectivity, particularly in remote areas. The satellites are expected to contribute to improved education, increased marketing opportunities for local products, and essential access to regular weather information, crucial for the agricultural sector.
Tolentino highlighted the prevalence of technological and internet poverty in many areas, attributing it to the economic unfeasibility for traditional telecom companies to provide services. The introduction of internet satellites, he believes, will open up new opportunities for economic growth, education, and information access in these underserved regions.
Representative Rida Robes of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, a member of the House Information and Communications Technology Committee, stressed the pivotal role of the program in ensuring broader internet access for Filipinos. She noted that despite the popularity of platforms like TikTok and YouTube, around 25 million Filipinos still lack internet access, particularly in physically and broadband-isolated remote areas.
The internet satellite initiative is anticipated to attract a $400 million investment in the Philippines over the next eight years, bringing with it the potential to generate more than 10,000 jobs. This ambitious project aims not only to bridge the digital divide but also to create economic opportunities and improve the overall quality of life for those currently underserved.
