Legislators push NTC for provisional authority for Starlink

Legislators are urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to grant provisional authority to Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc., while awaiting congressional approval for its franchise.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Joey Salceda and Ilocos Norte Representative Angelo Barba have filed House Resolutions supporting this move, noting that Starlink is already an accredited Satellite Systems Provider in the country.

Albay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda wants the NTC to provide a temporary license for Starlink to build, own, and operate satellite ground radio stations for at least a year.

Starlink Philippines was the first wholly foreign-owned company authorized to provide internet access services to Filipinos, according to Ilocos Norte Rep. Angelo Marcos Barga's House Concurrent Resolution No. 40.

Bills seeking to grant Starlink a franchise are pending in Congress but face time constraints due to the election period.

Salceda emphasized the importance of reliable internet services during natural disasters and noted that Starlink's technology could support emergency communication and public safety, especially with the upcoming elections.