SES, the prominent global content connectivity solutions provider, has spearheaded a series of Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite connectivity proof-of-concept trials for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the Philippines.
The SES-backed tests achieved remarkable speeds, with a 500 Mbps download and 80 Mbps upload, marking a significant advancement in the country's internet connectivity.
The successful tests demonstrated the capabilities of SES's O3b and O3b mPOWER systems, which are MEO satellites designed to offer high-speed, low-latency satellite internet. These resources hold enormous potential for bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal access to information and opportunities for nearly 2 billion individuals in remote and rural areas of the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the stewardship of SES, the MEO constellation aims to provide connectivity to the 'other three billion,' those without consistent or reliable access to communication systems. The test activity showcased speeds that are six times faster than the Philippines' median fixed broadband download speed of 83.09 Mbps. These breakthrough speeds can be compared to the median upload speed of 79.42 Mbps, according to Ookla's Speedtest Global Index metrics, taken in September 2023.
SES's MEO constellations are positioned 8,000km away from Earth's surface. They provide low-latency, high-throughput services, making MEO an exceptional orbit for superior internet access, cloud-based applications, and 5G capabilities. SES has also recently launched two more O3b mPOWER satellites, expanding its second-generation MEO constellation due to begin service in Q2 2024.
Such impressive speeds have the potential to empower isolated communities, linking them with buyers, suppliers, banking services, and various institutions that could boost rural livelihoods. This enhanced connectivity will also grant access to advanced technologies and services, fostering the growth of rural areas.
SES has a bold vision to deliver unique experiences everywhere by distributing high-quality video content and providing seamless connectivity worldwide. As an expert in global content connectivity solutions, SES operates the world's only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with a unique combination of global coverage and high performance, including the commercially proven, low-latency Medium Earth Orbit O3b system.
By leveraging a vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES can deliver high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea, or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies worldwide, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners.
SES's video network carries over 6,400 channels and has an impressive reach of 369 million households, delivering managed media services for linear and non-linear content.