Introduction

Astranis, a San Francisco-based company, has signed a deal to provide dedicated internet service to the Philippines. This marks the first time the archipelago nation will have access to such service.

Service to Underserved Communities

Astranis plans to connect hospitals, schools, and enterprises in the Philippines, as well as establish community Wi-Fi centers. The company estimates that up to 2 million people will gain access to broadband internet through this initiative.

The satellite, scheduled to launch in 2024, is part of Astranis’ broader mission to provide service to underserved communities worldwide. They have previously brought service to Alaska, benefitting hundreds of thousands of people, and have another satellite planned to serve 3 million people in Peru.

Partnership and Low Cost

Astranis will own and operate the satellite, with services provider Orbits Corp. buying capacity through a long-term contract for a local Philippine internet service provider, HTechCorp. The specific financial details of the contract were not disclosed, but it emphasizes that the service comes at a very low cost.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The Philippines, with a population of over 100 million spread across thousands of islands, faces challenges in providing broadband service to its citizens. Astranis highlights a third-party study that estimates bringing broadband access to the country would create over $100 billion in economic value by the end of the decade.

Expansion Plans

Astranis has recently launched its first satellite and is preparing to launch two more batches of satellites, labeled “Block 2” and “Block 3.” Block 2, launching in the fourth quarter, will feature four satellites, including one dedicated to Peru. Block 3, launching in mid-2024, will feature five satellites, including one for the Philippines.

Competition and Unique Approach

Astranis is one of several companies developing next-generation broadband satellite systems to meet the growing global demand for data. Competitors include SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, AST SpaceMobile, and others.

However, Astranis distinguishes itself with its unique approach. Their satellite combines the small form factor of satellites like Starlink with the distant, geosynchronous orbit of traditional players like Viasat. This allows Astranis to cover the entire Philippines with just one satellite.