Musk’s SpaceX takes interest in Philippines expansion

MANILA, Philippines — The Board of Investments (BOI) is in talks with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) of tech billionaire Elon Musk for the latter’s plan to provide satellite internet services in the country.

In a statement yesterday, the investment promotion agency said meetings were held in November and December last year and earlier last month to discuss the potential expansion of the company’s Starlink satellite internet service in the Philippines.

The BOI said the meetings discussed Starlink’s plan to put up a Philippine-registered company that will be a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX.

It said the company is looking to offer satellite internet services, particularly on providing broadband connectivity to remote areas not covered by traditional internet service providers.

The follow-up meeting was conducted after Congress’ ratification of the proposed amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA).

Amendments to the PSA would allow full foreign ownership for satellite internet services in the country and not require legislative franchise for public services.

“With the entry of Starlink into the Philippines, high-speed satellite broadband connectivity is expected to be delivered to customers nationwide, specifically in areas where connectivity has been a challenge,” BOI said.

Founded by Musk, one of the world’s wealthiest men, SpaceX is a global space launch provider with internal design and manufacturing capabilities.

Starlink, a division of SpaceX, provides internet access using advanced satellites in low orbit.

As of mid-2021, Starlink has over 1,600 satellites

The beta service offering is available in 17 countries as of September last year.