The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) recently approved Starlink Internet Services Philippines, Inc.’s registration as a Value-Added Service (VAS) provider paving the way for the company to start offering internet access services to the Philippine market in the coming months.
Starlink’s VAS registration now allows the company to directly access satellite systems, build and operate broadband facilities to offer internet services. The NTC’s swift processing of Starlink’s VAS provider registration was meant to expedite the service’s immediate roll-out.
Atty. Bien Marquez of Quisumbing Torres, SpaceX’s counsel, thanked the NTC for its prompt action in issuing Starlink’s VAS License. Marquez stated, “We would like to thank the NTC for issuing Starlink’s VAS license 30 minutes after we submitted our application with complete requirements. This shows the government’s seriousness in addressing the connectivity needs of our countrymen in unserved and underserved areas. This will also prepare us in the event of natural disasters and calamities.”
NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said that NTC welcomes the entry of Starlink in the Philippines and says that the roll-out of its internet access services will benefit immensely unserved or undeserved areas in the country. Cordoba added, “The NTC is steadfast in helping ensure that roll-out of Starlink’s internet access services will be done expeditiously and professionally.”
The Philippines will be the first country in South East Asia to offer Starlink services. The service offers high speed low latency satellite internet service with download speed between 100Mbps to 200Mbps. 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.
Starlink is expected to cover villages in urban and suburban areas and rural areas that remain unserved or undeserved with internet access services. The service is expected to bring cost effective internet access in these areas.