Globe Telecom and AST SpaceMobile signed a deal for satellite broadband for mobile phones.
GLOBE TELECOM — On Friday, the telecommunications company said that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AST SpaceMobile Inc in order to bring the satellite broadband service to standard mobile phones in the Philippines.
The telco said in a statement that AST SpaceMobile Inc is building the world’s first “space-based” cellular broadband network and the agreement is meant to “explore further expansion of services across the Philippines using cutting-edge satellite technology”.
According to the telco, its collaboration with AST SpaceMobile would enable its telecommunications services to cover areas beyond the reach of land-based cell towers.
The Ayala-led telco also said that the technology is being designed to offer video, voice, data, and internet access via 2G, 4G/LTE, and 5G signals which are expected to provide connectivity during times of crisis and emergencies.
Globe’s Network Strategy and Technology Enablement Director Gerhard Tan said that the telco has been a “pioneer in bringing first-to-market digital solutions to empower Filipinos” and the collaboration with AST SpaceMobile is another step in the company’s continuing initiatives to provide digital connectivity to remote rural communities.
“Space-based broadband also known as the Global Mobile Personal Communications Services, or GMPCS, is the new frontier in connectivity,” Tan said.
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For this year, the telco said that it has earmarked PHP 89 billion for its capital expenditure.
Aside from Globe, PLDT said in a statement on Friday that its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding with AST SpaceMobile Inc.
“This innovative space-based cellular broadband communication connects directly to our cellphones; no special device is needed,“ said Mario Tamayo, head of Technology at PLDT and Smart. “As a supplement to our mobile coverage, this can fill the gap in providing our services to the deepest rural and remote areas in the country, so our customers can remain connected.”
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also earlier said that it was assisting Elon Musk’s SpaceX in its pursuit to set up a shop in the Philippines to offer its Starlink satellite broadband technology.
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