The Philippines is set to get its first satellites solely dedicated to improve connectivity in far-flung areas.
President Marcos disclosed on Thursday, Nov. 16 (Manila time), that Astranis and Orbits forged a collaboration to bring internet connectivity to unserved and underserved areas in the Philippines by launching MicroGEO satellites.
“Astranis and Orbits have also joined forces to bring internet connectivity to unserved and underserved areas in the Philippines. This $400 million partnership will help bridge our digital divide and foster our digital transformation,” Marcos said after the signing of the agreement on the sidelines of his participation in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, California.
According to Marcos, Orbits and Astranis will deploy the first two internet satellites dedicated to the Philippines, a program that is expected to generate US$400 million investment over the next eight years.
These MicroGEO satellites will provide internet service in the unserved and underserved areas of the Philippines, covering up to 10 million users and 30,000 barangays.
The program is projected to create more than 10,000 jobs for direct and indirect employees and partners.
The official name of the first satellite will be “Agila” to foster the spirit of technological advancements and strengthen international partnerships, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said.
Romualdez added that the selection of the name Agila holds deep significance embodying the project’s unwavering commitment to connecting and empowering the Filipino nation through the expansion of access to the digital world.