Filipinos even in the remotest areas of the country will be enjoying first-world internet connectivity in the coming months as Philippine-bred information technology company Smart Citi Teknologi (SCT) and Hong Kong-based Silkwave, Inc. introduce their “unprecedented” satellite broadband internet and digital multimedia services in the Philippines.
SCT Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer Mario P. Marcos and Silkwave Inc. Founder, President and CEO Charles Wong disclosed to the media that they will be delivering “last mile connectivity” anywhere in the Philippines via Silkwave’s regional satellite Asia-Star.
The satellite’s “L-ban” has range of frequencies in the radio spectrum at 1 to 2 gigahertz. Its waves can penetrate clouds, fog, rain, storms and vegetation, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
They will pilot-test their high-speed internet service in far-flung areas being monitored by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well some areas in Pasig City, Mindoro, Palawan, Ilocos, and Bicol region. Pilot-testing will be done for 30 to 60 days.
“Based on our discussions, everybody approved that we can start the testing in the AFP areas, especially in the Philippine Marine Corps,” Marcos told reporters.
“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,” Wong added.
Silkwave 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.
“In addition to the broadcasting of emergency communication, 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,” Marcos emphasized.
ADVT.