PLDT and Smart to Test New Space-based Technology with AST SpaceMobile

Prominent telecommunications company PLDT, alongside its wireless unit Smart Communications, is set to become the first in the country to assess the viability of space-based cellular broadband technology following its partnership with U.S.-based firm AST SpaceMobile. Smart is looking to conduct the necessary tests for AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 satellite.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was earlier signed between the two companies in July 2021 as part of AST SpaceMobile’s efforts to improve cellular broadband connectivity in the country. AST SpaceMobile is the first and only company that develops space-based cellular broadband technology that can be accessed by standard mobile phones.

“Fortunately, newer technologies in satellites are capable of providing much-needed cellular connectivity with more flexibility in their deployment,” explained Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) acting secretary  Emmanuel Rey Caintic, noting the “massive concern” caused by the widespread digital divide in the Philippines, particularly in remote areas.

“LEO [Low Earth Orbit] satellites are an excellent addition to our solution set as they offer low latency, high throughput internet to our GIDAs [Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas], and AST SpaceMobile’s technology which is being designed to directly connect to ordinary smartphones could be a game-changer,” the DICT official elaborated.

“PLDT and Smart have always been at the forefront of innovation, and we are always ready to work hand-in-hand with government to support its thrust to connect more Filipinos across the country and help revitalize the post-pandemic digital economy,” said Roy Ibay, head of regulatory affairs at Smart.

Aside from this partnership, PLDT also successfully conducted the first on-orbit testing of high-speed broadband connectivity in the Philippines with the Telesat of Canada’s Phase 1 LEO satellite. This deepening move into satellite-powered communication forms part of PLDT-Smart’s action to provide world-class customer services across the country.

Sources: ABS CBN, PhilStar