The Philippines is set to launch a satellite called Agila to boost internet connectivity in remote areas, Malacañang announced.
The Philippines signed a USD 400 million partnership with two companies, Orbits (PH-based) and Astranis (US-based), to help bring internet connection to unserved and underserved areas across the country.
The collaboration will help the country obtain its first MicroGEO satellites "to bridge our digital divide and foster our digital transformation," said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. after the signing of the agreement.
Orbits and Astranis will launch the first two internet satellites that will be dedicated to the Philippines.
The partnership is also expected to generate an investment of USD 400 million over the next eight years.
The MicroGEO satellites, as per the Presidential Communications Office, are capable of providing coverage to up to 10 million users and 30,000 barangays.
During the event, the Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, announced the name of the first satellite as "Agila."
The name was chosen "to foster the spirit of technological advancements and strengthening international partnerships."
On the other hand, Elon Musk-owned satellite service Starlink has been available in the Philippines since February 2023. It uses a low Earth orbit (LEO) to deliver broadband internet that can support web browsing, streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more.
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