Listed telecommunications firm Transpacific Broadband Group International is eyeing negotiations with low-Earth orbit satellite operators, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, as it aims to enter the satellite broadband market.

In a disclosure on Thursday, October 28, Transpacific said it plans to roll out satellite broadband technology in the Philippines by 2022.

“We are excited [about] the unlimited prospects of empowering government units, businesses, and millions of Filipino households with advanced satellite internet services to meet their growing requirements for fast and reliable connectivity,” the company said.

Low-Earth orbit satellites, Transpacific said, provide affordable and fast internet, with a 27-millisecond low-latency bandwidth. They are said to be able to deliver “superior online experience in the next level internet-of-things.”

Transpacific said its board gave the green light for the company to enter into an agreement with international satellite operator ABS Global Limited to develop and maintain Earth stations in strategic areas nationwide.

On Wednesday, October 27, Transpacific inked a managed service agreement with ABS Global for a low-Earth orbit satellite station in Clark, Pampanga. This deal, it said, is “specifically for Earth stations of Starlink.”

Starlink is a unit of SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company. Starlink provides satellite internet services and has over 1,500 low-Earth orbit satellites.

Aside from Transpacific, listed fiber company Converge ICT Solutions is also eyeing a satellite broadband venture “by 2022 or 2023.” – Rappler.com