SES, a connectivity solutions company based in Luxembourg, teamed up with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to conduct tests on its medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellation, aiming to offer faster internet to remote areas through the government agency’s Free Wi-Fi for all program.
The MEO satellite constellation, situated in a middle-range space zone similar to GPS orbits, could significantly improve internet speed for users in hard-to-reach areas lacking fiber infrastructure.
Leveraging SES’ O3b and O3b mPOWER systems, specifically designed for the “other three billion” without consistent communication access, the test showcased speeds of 500Mbps download and 80Mbps upload. This outpaces the Philippines’ median fixed broadband speeds of 83.09 Mbps (Ookla), demonstrating the potential of MEO’s robust, low-latency connection.
SES launches O3b mPower satellites
Satellite firm SES launches O3b mPOWER to expand footprint in PH
DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy highlighted the importance of these strategically positioned MEO satellites, transcending traditional connectivity limitations.
According to Rob Marabut, director of Business Development at SES, they utilized an MP130, a 1.2-meter terminal with two antennas, for the test at the DICT building in Quezon City, demonstrating the MEO satellites’ service delivery capabilities.
Operating 8,000km above Earth, SES’s MEO constellations offer high-throughput, low-latency services, positioning MEO as the optimal orbit for improved Internet access, cloud-based applications, and 5G potential. SES plans to launch two more O3b mPOWER satellites for their second-generation MEO constellation in Q2 2024.