Here's everything we know about Starlink in the PH

There's so much talk about Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, now that it's available in the Philippines. But is it worth it?

Starlink, which features satellites in low-Earth orbit, promises a more reliable internet connection with its low latency and availability even in far-flung areas. 

On Feb. 22, SpaceX announced on its Twitter account that Starlink is now live in the Philippines, being the first country in Southeast Asia to avail the newest internet service. 

It was first approved by the National Telecommunications Commission in May 2022 as a value-added service (VAS) provider, enabling the company to have direct access to satellite systems as part of its services.  

“Starlink is expected to cover villages in urban and suburban areas and rural areas that remain unserved or underserved with internet access services. The service is expected to bring cost-effective internet access in these areas,” NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said. 

Here's what we know so far.

How it works 

Unlike the fiber-optic internet which is mostly available in the country, Starlink uses radio signals through the vacuum of space, it has ground stations around the planet to broadcast signals to satellites placed in low orbit, which relays back the data to users. 

Since Starlink has flat and compacts satellites orbit closer to the planet, it has significantly lower latency, enabling its users to have faster connections. 

This feature enables the internet service provider to reach far-flung areas and provide decent online access. 

It is also built for easy installment. With its phased array antenna feature, you can set up the device in minutes. The Starlink Kit includes a satellite dish, a Wi-Fi router, cables, and a base.  

Since it gets signals from satellites, it is important to place it with a clear view of the sky. Users can use the Starlink App available in iOS and Android OS to check for obstructions and the best location to place the Wi-Fi router. Though it is recommended to mount it in higher places, such as on walls and poles for better connection. 

Starlink also boasts its durability as it can withstand extreme cold, heat, hail, heavy rain, strong winds, and even rocket engines.