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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider TESLA Technologies partners with SCT to put up satellite-based channel, electronics plants in PHL

TESLA Technologies partners with SCT to put up satellite-based channel, electronics plants in PHL

Published Mar 13, 2023 02:00 am
CZECH company TESLA Technologies and Filipino firm Smart Citi Teknologi (SCT) have tied up to build an internet-based platform and electronics hubs in the country. This was formalized by TESLA Technologies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Matejcek and SCT CEO Mario P. Marcos, who signed an agreement for the “Transfer of Ownership and the Industrial Development in the Philippines” held last February 23 in Manila Hotel. According to Matejcek, TESLA previously had a radio transmitter project here in the country years ago. Their partnership, Marcos said will facilitate the turn over of Czech technology to them as a local partner and the domestic assembly of two TESLA products. With the team up, TESLA will be called Philippine TESLA which is seen advantageous for the country and its people.   “It is an economic booster, creating jobs and opportunities for the people. Of course, it will give a good name to the Philippines, and it can motivate all our young scientists, young artists [to work with us],” Marcos emphasized, while citing that 4,000 to 5,000 jobs will be opened to Filipinos. He bared that they are initially investing $8 million for the deal, of which $5 million will be allocated for the establishment of a satellite-based channel that can provide fast connectivity for different applications, including households, intelligent homes, and smart cities.  SCT will integrate with the platform of its existing satellite that is capable of giving strong connection and signal even during a disaster or extreme weather conditions. “Actually, this is really a priority one that we will now about to start the proof of concept of this L-band satellite,” said the CEO, who is the second cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The remaining $3 million will be used to manufacture TESLA’s diagnostic health device and magnetic engine in assembly plants located in Clark and Cavite economic zones, he noted. “I think six months from now, the production will start,” he said, adding that they can also produce other TESLA products, such as phones, batteries, sensors, camera, lighting, and LEDs. “We are aiming the international market for these like Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand because they love TESLA.”

A new satellite 10 times faster than its current L-band satellite

Beyond these joint initiatives with TESLA, SCT plans to purchase in 2025 a new satellite, which is 10 times faster than its current L-band satellite. This will be in collaboration with a Hong Kong firm using an American technology for this venture. Having an L-band satellite, Marcos pointed out that they can integrate with Starlink, which has already provided connectivity in the country via its low-orbit satellite, and “become two-way, so the signal will be super fast and the connection is really very strong.” SCT also considers working with local telco providers. In fact, he recently met Converge Solutions Inc.’s top executives for possible collaboration since the latter requires an L-band satellite. “We will do it in parallel with our boosting the connectivity, giving a very long term connectivity program for the Philippines,” Marcos explained. “By 2025, I think we [can] achieve 70 percent of this plan.”

$1 Billion Super smart island

The company is also embarking on an ambitious project in Roxas, Palawan. It is still in the process of acquiring a privately-owned 500 plus-hectare island. “This is a different concept of making a super smart island,” he said of the seven-year mega project, with an initial investment of $1 billion. International developers and financiers have already expressed interest to join in the mixed-use development, including five global standard hotels, shopping malls, pavilions and villas, yacht and golf clubs, and a private airport. “These are special attractions there that are really totally unique because we integrate different types of robotics, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence in that island. For sure there will be [casinos] if it’s permitted because this is for tourism purposes. This is really to attract the international market,” Marcos stressed.
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