PH soon to have internet satellites

[Mike J]

Article states "collaboration to deploy the Philippines' first-ever internet satellites to improve connectivity in far-flung areas of the country."  Have these folks, including the president, never heard of Starlink?  Why spend $400 million for a service that is already in place and available.  This kind of has a bad smell in my opinion.  

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/11/17/news/national/ph-soon-to-have-internet-satellites/1920131

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday secured five major agreements between private sectors from the Philippines and the United States, including a collaboration to deploy the Philippines' first-ever internet satellites to improve connectivity in far-flung areas of the country.

Marcos witnessed the signing of an agreement between California-based company Astranis Space Technologies and Philippine-based satellite firm Orbits Corp. at the sidelines of the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco, California.

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"Astranis and Orbits have also joined forces to bring internet connectivity to unserved and underserved areas in the Philippines. This $400 million partnership will help bridge our digital divide and foster our digital transformation," Marcos said after the signing of the agreement.

Through the partnership, Orbits and Astranis will deploy the first two internet satellites dedicated to the Philippines, a program that is expected to generate $400 million in investment in the next eight years.

These MicroGEO satellites will provide internet service in the unserved and underserved areas of the Philippines, covering up to 10 million users and 30,000 barangay (villages).

The program is projected to create more than 10,000 jobs for direct and indirect employees and partners.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez announced the official name of the first satellite as "Agila."

"The selection of the name 'Agila' or the Philippine eagle holds deep significance, embodying the project's unwavering commitment to empowering the Filipino nation through the expansion of access to the digital world," Romualdez said.

'AI-powered weather forecasting system'

The President also witnessed the signing of four other major agreements between private sectors from the Philippines and the US.

Among these is a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and ATMO Inc. to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the Philippines using AI technology.

It was signed by DoST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun and ATMO Inc. founder and CEO Alexander Levy.

"ATMO and the Department of Science and Technology's (DoST) partnership on an AI-powered weather forecasting system will help the Philippines build its climate resilience," Marcos said.

 

[Lee1154]

Education would be a good choice for priority.

 

[Old55]

1 hour ago, Mike J said:

  Why spend $400 million for a service that is already in place and available.  This kind of has a bad smell in my opinion. 

Why spend $400 million on a service that costs $200 million? It runs in the family.

[OnMyWay]

On 11/17/2023 at 7:30 AM, Mike J said:

Why spend $400 million for a service that is already in place and available.  This kind of has a bad smell in my opinion.  

On 11/17/2023 at 8:56 AM, Old55 said:

Why spend $400 million on a service that costs $200 million? It runs in the family.

I thought the big guy only gets 10%

If they really wanted to help the far flung areas, they could offer a subsidy to set up Starlink.

On 11/17/2023 at 8:31 AM, Lee1154 said:

Education would be a good choice for priority.

 

It is for education.

[Lee1154]

9 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

I thought the big guy only gets 10%

If they really wanted to help the far flung areas, they could offer a subsidy to set up Starlink.

It is for education.

You captured my first thought!

[Mike J]

11 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

If they really wanted to help the far flung areas, they could offer a subsidy to set up Starlink.

 

On 11/17/2023 at 8:31 AM, Lee1154 said:

Education would be a good choice for priority.

Put Starlink in schools and a classroom called the "Internet Library".  Teaching staff has an elevated desk at the rear of the classroom with a clear view of all computer screens to prevent abuse of the privilege.   Lock down permission to access social media sites.  Start with 10 or so schools as a pilot program and expand if successful.  Maybe Starlink would volunteer a pilot program???    

[GeoffH]

Australia spent billions setting up remote area satellite Internet access using large geostationary satellites.

 

It initially had good take up rates (in areas without other Internet access) but since Starlink came along they're bleeding customers badly (mainly as they come off contract).

 

Prices are similar but Starlink can offer much higher data quotas and much lower pings.

 

And if Australia can't sell a similar product with good market share then I have to wonder how much market share a completely new geostationary Internet satellite will attract given it won't have an established user base (with their already spent set up cost for local infrastructure).

Edited November 19, 2023 by GeoffH

[Snowy79]

They need to sort out the electricity in far flung places first. 

[jimeve]

3 hours ago, Snowy79 said:

They need to sort out the electricity in far flung places first. 

Solar panels for those who can afford it. Only need a small 12v  panel  and a 12 volt battery and cheap solar charger.