Philippines wants more collab with SpaceX

MANILA, Philippines — Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) is looking to expand its collaboration with the Philippines in satellite broadband connectivity and potential space exploration initiatives, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

The DTI said in a statement that Trade Secretary Cristina Roque met with SpaceX executives in Hawthorne, California last week to discuss the firm’s expansion plans for its satellite internet service Starlink.

During the meeting, SpaceX officials led by manager for global government affairs Oliver Edelmann, outlined Starlink’s operational achievements and expansion plans.

The DTI said the company is planning additional gateway sites and terminals and to increase its presence in remote and underserved areas.

These expansion plans, however, are being hindered by regulatory challenges, particularly, the requirement for a Congressional franchise to establish and operate ground stations.

Since its launch in the Philippines in February 2023, Starlink has deployed 13 gateway sites and approximately 30,000 terminals.

These terminals deliver high-speed internet to areas that cannot be served by traditional fiber-optic infrastructure.

Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet to support streaming, online gaming, as well as video calls.

The discussions between DTI and SpaceX officials also covered the use of Starlink’s capabilities to enhance digital learning, e-government initiatives and e-commerce.

Beyond connectivity, the meeting also covered the prospect of sending a Filipino into space under the firm’s human space flight program.

Earlier, Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said SpaceX is interested in setting up a launching pad facility for SpaceX in Mindanao.

For her part, Roque highlighted recent government efforts to enhance the investment environment including the CREATE MORE Law, which offers competitive tax incentives for high-tech industries.

She also cited legislative measures being pushed including the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which aims to simplify regulatory processes and encourage fair competition in the telecommunications sector.

“We are fully committed to fostering a more business-friendly environment for tech companies like SpaceX. The Philippines is taking bold steps to modernize its digital infrastructure policies, ensuring that innovation-driven firms can thrive while delivering essential services to Filipinos,” she said.