Palace: Rates for internet services to become affordable with SpaceX

Malacañang on Friday said the prices for internet services would become affordable when Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) enters the Philippines.

At the Palace briefing, acting deputy presidential spokesperson Kristian Ablan said SpaceX would make broadband speeds faster and expand the capacity of telecom service in the country.

“The Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to host Elon Musk's SpaceX internet services,'' he said.

“Napakagandang balita po nito dahil mas bibilis ang broadband speed at magkakaroon ng mas malaking kapasidad ang ating telecom service,” he added.

According to Ablan, the Department of Trade and Industry was preparing to register SpaceX as an internet provider in the country.

On Thursday, the DTI said this was discussed at the recent meeting between Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, SpaceX senior executives Rebecca Hunter and Ryan Goodnight, as well as National Telecommunications Commission Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios and DFNN executive chairman Ramon Garcia Jr.

SpaceX’s technology will bring high-speed satellite broadband connectivity to customers, particularly in areas where connectivity has been difficult or impossible, according to the DTI.

“The constellation consists of over 1,600 satellites in mid-2021, and will eventually comprise thousands more of mass-produced small satellites in LEO, which communicate with designated ground transceivers,” it said. — DVM, GMA News