Cover BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 26: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk arrives at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 26, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 26: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk arrives at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 26, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
1 / 1
In the Philippines, there is a law that allows 100 per cent ownership in domestic market enterprises. Just recently, Elon Musk's internet service provider 'Starlink' arrived in the country. Here's everything you need to know about it
An average Filipino spends at least nine hours on the internet, which is quite surprising for someone who lives in a country that ranked “second slowest” in the internet speed among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
Daily, about 76.01 million Filipinos (or 68 per cent of the country's population) connect to the internet. This is enough to attract local and foreign internet service providers such as Starlink.
Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has given online access to 50 countries and counting. Just recently, Starlink's official Twitter page announced that interested parties in the Philippines may now order a "starter kit" hardware, implying that Starlink is now available in the country.
In case you missed it: This European Mogul Just Overtook Elon Musk As the Richest Person in the World
Why is Starlink in the Philippines?
In 2022, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act No. 1164, allowing full foreign ownership in select public services such as telecommunications, airlines, railways, and domestic shipping. This also amends the 85-year-old Public Service Act.
“I believe that through this law, the easing out of foreign equity restrictions will attract more global investors, modernise several sectors of public service and improve the delivery of essential services,” Duterte said. “Indeed, the enactment of this amended law, as well as the amended Foreign Investments Act, shall help stimulate the economy, especially local businesses."
Above Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX (Photo: Pixabay/Pexels)
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX (Photo: Pixabay/Pexels)
1 / 1
SpaceX's entry to the Philippines is supported by Data Lake, a data company led by Henry Sy Jr. "We are excited to finally introduce Starlink to the Philippine market by Q1 2023. The high speed, low latency broadband internet service through satellites will be game-changing in connecting our 7,640 islands to the rest of the world,” said Data Lake vice chairman and CEO Anthony Almeda.
More from Tatler: The Legacy of Henry Sy, Sr
Should you get one?
Above In 2022, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Republic Act No. 1164 which allows full foreign ownership in select public services including telecommunications(Photo: Vojtech Okenka/Pexels)
In 2022, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Republic Act No. 1164 which allows full foreign ownership in select public services including telecommunications(Photo: Vojtech Okenka/Pexels)
1 / 1
Filipinos will pay a hefty price as one Starlink equipment costs PHP29,320. They have to pay PHP2,700 monthly after undergoing initial 30-day trial period. The answer to the question ultimately depends on the preference of the consumer. We have listed below the mobile download speed of the Philippines' top internet service providers:
- Starlink - 200 Mbps download speed
- PLDT Unlimited Fiber Plan - upload and download speeds up to 1Gbps
- Converge ICT - the average download speed is 42.93 Mbps
- Globe - 21.30 Mbps (median download speed in 2022)
- Smart - 32.16 (median download speed in 2022)
Internet speed depends on a consumer's allocated bandwidth or the maximum data rate that can be transferred in seconds. For instance, if a connection is at 5Mbps (Megabits per second), then the user can download a file or image that is 5Mb in size in a second.
NOW READ
The Peso is Weak Because the Dollar is Strong? What is the Forecast for the Philippine Currency?
Can Artificial Intelligence Encourage Good Behaviour Among Internet Users?
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
