Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) of billionaire Elon Musk plans to initially launch its Starlink service in the province of Bataan by establishing a base of operations in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).
The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) said it has had a productive series of meetings with SpaceX officials over the past few months where this was brought up to the AFAB and the provincial leaders of Bataan through iWave Advanced Research Group.
SpaceX will provide internet services in the Philippines using its low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network constellation called Starlink which will provide a much faster broadband speed, better connectivity, more capacity for telecommunications services and more affordable rates for consumers.
AFAB said it does not have the definite project timeline but that SpaceX officials are keen on completing the process within the year.
“With the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 11659 or An Act Amending Commonwealth Act No. 146 otherwise known as the Public Service Act liberalizing foreign ownership of telecom services, SpaceX and Starlink have now been given the option to move forward with the regulatory process , incorporate and draw up an operational plan,” AFAB said.
SpaceX officials have been meeting trade officials since last year. The company’s project registration is being processed and the locations of their gateways are being visited. – Irma Isip
