Diversified telecom firm PT&T Corp. has sought to bridge the digital divide by launching its very small aperture terminal (VSAT) service in partnership with Singapore-based next-generation broadband satellite operator, Kacific Broadband Satellites Ltd. (Kacific).
“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted existing inequalities and the widening of digital divide," PT&T SVP for Sales LE and SME Ella Mae Ortega said in a statement. "As the new normal calls for people to follow social distancing and lockdown protocols, reliable internet becomes more important, especially in remote areas.”
The partnership with Kacific allows PT&T to offer cheaper high-speed satellite internet versus other VSAT technologies.
Already, PT&T is expanding its fiber presence nationwide to cope with the growing demand and to reach more Filipinos.
VSAT is vital for providing internet to unserved and underserved businesses and sectors that cannot be reached by any wired infrastructure.
PT&T’s broadband satellite internet services is powered by Kacific’s high-throughput Ka-band satellite Kacific1, which spans the Asia Pacific region.
The satellite’s beams are received by VSATs, which are small, roof-mounted dishes that transmit and receive data, voice, and video signals over a satellite communication network.
The Ka-band satellite provides high-throughput beams versus wide area beams, making it possible to transmit higher data over same bandwidth compared to other bands.
Ka-band technology is designed to provide reliable, high-speed broadband internet to rural and remote populations through concentrated spot beams and simple easy-to-install onsite 1.2m antennas which is cheaper than larger dishes of other VSAT technologies.
This technology can serve various industries, as well as residential customers, with a focus on under-served rural and suburban areas.
“We are pleased to partner with PT&T in the Philippines, harnessing our existing services and infrastructure to fulfil the growing demand for connectivity," remarked Kacific’s Chief Commercial Officer, Brandon Seir.
"Demand for work-from-home arrangements, e-learning, as well as telehealth services have all escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
“The partnership with PT&T will strengthen our position as a provider who can seamlessly connect rural enterprise, government and residential customers. We will follow a common goal to deliver affordable internet connectivity nationwide," Seir concluded.