State-run Social Security System (SSS) has partnered with satellite broadband provider Starlink to provide high-speed internet connectivity to its service offices in remote areas.
Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, SSS president and chief executive officer, said the pension fund secured a three-year subscription through iOne Resources, Inc., Starlink’s local distributor, covering 10 island sites nationwide.
Macasaet said that satellite internet connectivity will be deployed in locations lacking internet service providers or facing connectivity challenges.
He said that the first three Starlink satellites have been installed in Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi, and seven additional sites will be established in the coming days.
“Satellite internet technology is ideal for remote locations with a clear line of sight. It can deliver high internet speed from 100 to 200 Mbps with low latency of 25 to 60, ensuring swift data transfers in branch operations,” Macasaet added.
The SSS chief, however, clarified that their partnership with iOne Resources is not exclusive, as they also plan to partner with other internet service providers to enhance connectivity for their branches and service offices.
“Internet access has become a necessity since most of SSS services are already available online,” Macasaet said.
“With this project, SSS is looking forward to improving its IT infrastructure to boost its system’s uptime and provide more reliable online services to our members, employers, and pensioners,” he added.
Elon Musk’s Starlink launched satellite internet in the Philippines last year, starting in Metro Manila.