DICT taps SpaceX for free internet in remote sites

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is tapping satellite-based internet provider SpaceX and its Starlink network of orbital satellites to provide connectivity in remote areas of the Philippines.

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the SpaceX kit is a portable and easy-to-install and deploy set that they want to roll out in the country’s far-flung areas.

“It’s plug and play. It’s very portable,” Uy said when he presented a sample of the Starlink kit to media yesterday.

“We really do look forward to inviting more technologies like this to come to the Philippines. These are game changing technologies. And it’s perfect for our archipelago. It will definitely significantly bridge the digital divide that has been plaguing many countries, especially countries like ours that are divided by large swaths of water,” Uy said.

Uy said they were working closely with SpaceX, of controversial global tycoon Elon Musk, to facilitate their ability to roll out their technology in the country.

“We have been helping SpaceX and Starlink in facilitating requirements that they have to go through so they can bring this technology up and running at the soonest possible time,” he said.

He advised Filipinos to be patient as the government is doing something to achieve this.

He said the DICT is still discussing with SpaceX the scope and, more importantly, the commercial terms of the project.

Uy said they are looking at the government to fully paying the rollout of the satellite connectivity.

“The Broadband ng Masa project is actually linked to the Free WiFi project. The challenge has always been these far-flung areas that do not have this broadband connectivity because the telcos find it not suitable, not feasible for them to make those kinds of investments in those areas,” he said.

Uy said the government has available funds to implement the project under the Free WiFi Program.

He said the DICT would coordinate with the local governments in setting up the equipment and the connectivity as well as provide the link to make this sustainable.

He said the Starlink kits are not affordable for communities living in far-flung areas.

“I don’t think they can afford it at this stage. So what will happen is, we will provide the connectivity for them and we will shoulder the connectivity until such time that perhaps our local government can give us some feedback, or our DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) can give us a feedback, that those communities have risen from poverty,” Uy said.

He said the government is happy with the quality of connectivity that SpaceX could provide.

“There are providers that provide satellite technology also. But of a different nature, these are the more traditional ones. And as I said, we need to look at all the different digital transport that is available out there and see which technology would be the most appropriate. Rest assured that only the appropriate technologies would be adopted in the appropriate locations.”

Uy said it’s up to Congress to allocate a budget for the implementation of the project.

He said the DICT needed to conduct further talks with Starlink in order to come out with a clearer picture on the cost.