THE Philippines advanced its sovereign communications infrastructure through a strategic agreement between Brightside Industries Group, SES S.A., and the Philippine Space Agency. This deal secures operational access to the ITU-designated 95° East orbital slot, with an expansion option at 166° East, establishing the spectrum foundation for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s digital transformation agenda focused on inclusive connectivity.

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Following directives from the president's State of the Nation Address, the Department of Information and Communications Technology is coordinating with Brightside to implement this government-managed national satellite framework. The initiative aims to connect schools, health care facilities, and remote communities while ensuring national security through locally controlled infrastructure. The partnership provides long-term access to Ku, Ka, Q, and V-band spectrums under international coordination with the Netherlands.

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Brightside will construct the country's first sovereign gateway in Morong, Bataan, utilizing land allocated by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. This site will feature high-capacity antennas linked via Free Space Optics.

Secondary sites in Clark and Subic Bay will ensure network redundancy. The projected $350 million satellite is in advanced planning, with production scheduled for 2026, launch in 2027, and full service by 2028.

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This public-private collaboration integrates with existing terrestrial networks to enhance broadband capacity for underserved villages and support vital eGovernment services. By aligning with the National Security Council, the program ensures the network operates under Philippine jurisdiction. This transition moves critical systems from foreign reliance to sovereign oversight, combining commercial viability with state security to secure the nation’s digital future and foster local innovation.