Connectivity will no longer be a problem anywhere in the Philippines soon as Filipino company Smart Citi Teknologi (SCT) and its Hong Kong-based partner Silkwave, Inc. commence the deployment of satellite broadband internet service in the country.
The two information technology companies, which signed their partnership agreement recently, plan to do a pilot test of its high-speed internet service in far-flung areas being monitored by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Based on our discussions, everybody approved that we can start the testing in the AFP areas, especially in the Philippine Marine Corps,” SCT Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer Mario P. Marcos told reporters.
Also to be covered by the 30 to 60-day pilot-testing are some areas in Pasig City, Mindoro, Palawan, Ilocos, and Bicol region.
Based on the statements made by the two companies, the details, guidelines, and installation proceedings will be in strict adherence to the prescribed government policy.
Silkwave Inc. Founder, President and CEO Charles Wong said: “This is a revolutionary data delivery as opposed to cellular networks, where the coverage is localized and where you have to pay by data rate.”
Silkwave’s regional satellite Asia-Star will offer “last mile digital connectivity” via its so-called “L-ban” whose range of frequencies in the radio spectrum is from 1 to 2 gigahertz. Its waves can penetrate clouds, fog, rain, storms, and vegetation, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
Silkwave, according to Wong, also plans to launch a $400-million high-orbit satellite, dubbed as the “Silkwave-1” satellite, by 2025 that will exponentially improve the connectivity, speed, and reach of their older “Asia-star” satellite.
Marcos said SCT and Silkwave also plan to offer real-time accurate weather forecasts and updates, among others, to the Philippine government.
“We can also provide through our system a lot of the essential government information [needs], such as remote education, health care, vocational training, and travel or maritime information, in addition to the broadcasting of emergency communication,” Marcos shared.