Telco to use satellites for remote areas

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos in remote areas may find themselves making calls and texts through a satellite as telecommunications giant Globe Telecom Inc. is close to integrating space-based equipment in its network.

This developed after Globe succeeded in testing the viability of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites in bringing connectivity to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

In partnership with satellite operator Lynk Global Inc., the company conducted a trial at a dead spot in Lake Mapanuepe in San Marcelino, Zambales by transmitting text messages through phones.

The test yielded positive results, with the phones managing to send texts by accessing the LEO satellites of Lynk.

In turn, Globe concluded that satellite-to-phone connectivity could be a viable service to bridge the network gap in GIDAs.

Globe senior director and head of technology strategy and innovations Gerhard Tan said the company is looking at various ways to widen its network coverage in the countryside.

Globe hopes that by teaming up with Lynk, it can soon use LEO satellites to deliver connectivity.

Tan expressed belief that Filipinos, wherever they go or live, have to be provided internet access, given how reliant the world is on electronic platforms.

Globe will deliver similar tests for different scenarios in Mindanao this month to explore other uses of connectivity from space technology.

Satellites are revered by telco providers as the future of their industry, as these equipment can beam internet from space onto the Earth, allowing them to reach distant places.