Elon Musk-led SpaceX aims to launch the first Starlink gateway in the Philippines before President Rodrigo Duterte ends his term in June.
This update came from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) head Ramon Lopez, who also said that “SpaceX is setting up a business entity that will provide internet service through low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and is targeting to launch the first gateway for their satellites before the end of the term of President Duterte.”
SEE ALSO: Starlink in the Philippines: What you need to know about the satellite internet from SpaceX
The said gateway, also known as the ground station, is the infrastructure that will supply the internet connection from the constellation of Starlink low earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
In a meeting with DTI last April 20, Rebecca Hunter, government affairs senior manager for SpaceX, said that they are already in the process of registering and securing permits.
According to the DTI, SpaceX’s plans to enter the Philippines were accelerated after the administration amended the Public Service Act, which allows full foreign ownership of telcos, as well as railway companies and airlines.
Last April, the Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) said that they had productive meetings with SpaceX executives to set up a base in their area.
Way to go Philippines!