NTC Approves Elon Musk’s Starlink Registration for Internet Services in PH

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) announced on Friday that the commission has approved the registration of Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet Services Philippines (Starlink), which is a subsidiary of Musk’s highly successful SpaceX.

Starlink will provide the Philippines with another internet solution–this time, not with fiber cables, but through a network of low-Earth orbit satellite systems that may also be able to provide internet with speeds reaching up to 200 Mbps to far-flung areas in the country.

This effectively makes the Philippines the first country in Southeast Asia where Starlink services will be available.

NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said in a statement that the registration of Starlink has been approved as a value-added service (VAS) provider.

“The NTC is steadfast in helping ensure that roll-out of Starlink’s internet access services will be done expeditiously and professionally,” Cordoba’s statement said.

Cordoba added that one of Starlink’s roles will be to cover villages in suburban and rural areas where fast and stable internet is yet to be enjoyed.

“Starlink is expected to cover villages in urban and suburban areas and rural areas that remain unserved or underserved with internet access services. The service is expected to bring cost-effective internet access in these areas,” Cordoba added.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said in May that the goal for Starlink is for the service provider to be able to start its operations before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in June. (GFB)