After numerous meetings with local government officials, the Philippines will be the first in Southeast Asia to have Elon Musk’s Starlink low-orbit satellite internet service.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez announced that the proposed project of SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, here in the Philippines is expected to be finalized in the next three months.

SEE ALSO: Starlink in the Philippines: What you need to know about the satellite internet from SpaceX

As per Lopez, SpaceX is currently being assisted by the Board of Investments (BOI) for their applications. All while locations for the gateways are now being visited to make sure the project will materialize before the current administration ends.

The said gateways will be put in major and suburban areas. The DTI secretary also said that SpaceX is still finalizing its investment figures.

Starlink-Satellite-Internet

Regarding the BOI’s assistance, the board is helping the company with its registration under the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan. Plus, processing of necessary permits to make sure their entry into the local market is smooth sailing.

For those who are unfamiliar, SpaceX’s Starlink internet service uses a constellation of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites that beam internet connection directly to customers.

This news comes after President Duterte signed a law enabling full foreign ownership of telcos, railways, and airlines in the Philippines.

With Starlink’s entrance, the government aims to provide faster, more reliable, and competitive prices in the local telco industry.

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