MANILA, Philippines– The House of Representatives has approved a resolution that seeks to grant provisional authority to Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The resolution, passed on Wednesday, aims to enable the company to build, own, and operate satellite ground stations in the Philippines to expand internet connectivity across the country.
The decision came after an 11-hour plenary session, which began on Tuesday at 3 p.m. and concluded at around 2 a.m. the following day.
Lawmakers approved the resolution to expedite the deployment of Starlink’s satellite internet services, particularly in remote and underserved areas where traditional internet services are limited.
The resolution calls on the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to grant provisional authority to Starlink to begin operations while awaiting a formal legislative franchise.
If approved, Starlink would be able to establish satellite ground stations and provide high-speed internet through its low Earth orbit satellites.
Starlink’s satellite internet technology is designed to improve connectivity in areas with limited access to traditional broadband services.
The initiative is seen as a potential solution to address the country’s digital divide by providing reliable internet access to regions that have long struggled with connectivity issues.
Lawmakers expressed optimism that Starlink’s satellite-based technology would enhance educational opportunities, improve public services, and support local businesses through better internet access.
While the provisional authority allows Starlink to operate temporarily, the company still requires a full legislative franchise to continue and expand its operations in the Philippines in the long term.
Discussions in both the House and Senate are ongoing regarding the grant of such a franchise.
The NTC now faces the decision of whether to issue a temporary operational license, allowing Starlink to begin setting up its satellite infrastructure.
