More choices mean a stronger, healthier ecosystem
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced that another satellite-based internet service will be reaching Philippine shores. Amazon Leo is the company’s direct response to Starlink and will launch “possibly” this year.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda has confirmed that regulatory application is underway following the lapsing into law of the “Open Access in Data Transmission Act, Konektadong Pinoy” and ensures that Leo will launch before the year ends.
The Konektadong Pinoy Law, officially known as “Open Access in Data Transmission Act, Konektadong Pinoy” was a bill proposed last year that lapsed into law, with the goal of making the internet more accessible to Filipinos nationwide, especially in remote areas where access is often challenging. The law also allows more foreign telco companies to enter the Philippines and thus eliminate the triopoly of PLDT, Globe, and DITO.
Like Starlink, Amazon Leo connects users direct-to-device. The company has acquired Globalstar for approximately USD 11.6 billion, to make the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite a reality. In addition, Amazon promised “competitive pricing” in contrast to what Starlink currently offers. Globalstar is the company responsible for Apple’s emergency connectivity features a reality.
Currently, Leo is on a wait list, and you need to sign up for it and be notified to when the satellite service actually launches. The website shows three separate plans, depending on the purpose. These include home plans, business plans, and exclusive government-only plans.
Source: ABS-CBN News, UnboxPH
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