Filipino firm Orbits Satellite Corp. announced the launch of Agila 1, the Philippines’ first dedicated satellite, on Dec. 20, 2024 from Cape Canaveral, Florida in the United States.
The launch is set to mark a significant advancement in the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, catering solely to Filipino communities and government sectors.
“Unlike other continental satellites that serve dozens of countries, Agila 1 will be exclusively dedicated to the Philippines,” said Orbits chairman and chief executive Augusto Baculio.
“Our hub and command center is located in Subic, ensuring secured lines and accountability. This allows us to support even the most classified communications for institutions like the Office of the President, National Defense and COMELEC [Commission on Election],” said Baculio.
Once launched, Agila 1 will undergo a month-long positioning period, moving toward its designated orbital slot to begin operations by January 2025.
The satellite will maintain a geostationary orbit, rotating with the Earth daily, offering distinct operational and cost efficiencies compared to the multi-orbit systems used by other providers.
The deployment of Agila 1 and a second satellite, slated for launch in late 2025, is set to transform access to internet and telecommunications services across the Philippines, particularly in underserved rural and remote areas.
Orbits aims to cover 10,000 sites per satellite, targeting isolated barangays, islands and highland areas.
“Our goal is to reach communities in areas like Limasawa Island, Sagada, and Bukidnon, serving populations of around 2,000 to 3,000,” Baculio said.
Collectively, the two satellites intend to connect up to 20,000 sites, potentially benefiting 10 to 20 million Filipinos. The satellites will extend connectivity to public facilities, including hospitals, ports, airports, police stations and large bus terminals.
“With our satellite service, passengers at ports can conveniently purchase e-tickets, alleviating long wait times and bringing essential services closer to the people,” Baculio said.
Orbits is also working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to support the government’s initiative to provide free internet nationwide.
Through its free Wi-Fi program, DICT aims to purchase satellite capacity from Orbits, allowing greater connectivity for public spaces and potentially reducing internet costs for households to as low as P300 monthly.
While Baculio acknowledges the hurdles faced in rolling out such a large-scale infrastructure, he remains optimistic. “Many areas remain unserved by traditional telcos, who often prioritize urban centers. But our mission is to democratize access, ensuring even the remotest communities are connected,” he said.
