MANILA — A US$7B Agreement to accelerate the country’s Digital Sovereignty and National Infrastructure was signed
November 6, 2024
by Orbits Satellite Corporation and Brightside International Corporation.
Brightside International Corporation, a global enterprise and government affairs strategic advisory firm, and Orbits Satellite Corporation, a leading Philippines-based satellite communications provider, had inked this Agreement to secure a reliable digital connectivity in the Philippines, reaching millions of underserved citizens who lack access to mobile phones and digital communications.
This ambitious project aims to build a strategic framework to accelerate the country’s digital infrastructure initiatives and promote digital sovereignty through innovative and resilient satellite communication solutions, said Atty. Augusto Baculio, Jr., President and CEO of Orbits Satellite Corporation.
We are thrilled to partner with Orbits to bring enhanced connectivity to the Philippines and to promote a future, rooted in digital sovereigntysaid Christopher Harriman, CEO of Brightside International Corporation.
As part of this landmark effort, Orbits had partnered with Astranis, the world’s leading operator of dedicated communications satellites, to construct its latest satellite.
The first satellite was launched December 2024, by Space X at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Astranis is renowned for its cutting-edge satellite technologies, which provide customized and highly reliable connectivity solutions. This expertise will be instrumental in Orbits and Brightside mission to reach even the most remote and underserved areas in the country, Baculio said.
Christopher Harriman, CEO of Brightside International Corporation
This is Brightside and Orbits joint commitment in creating resilient and secure communication networks that support national digital independence, Baculio further said. The collaboration with Astranis brings Orbits and Brightside a technical edge in delivering seamless satellite data services to the Philippine archipelago, he said.
As a recognized leader in strategic government relations, business development, and technology innovations, Brightside brings decades of experience in fostering impactful partnerships and strengthening infrastructure projects worldwide, CE0 Harriman said.
By leveraging high-level relationships and a deep understanding of digital sovereignty, Brightside aims to catalyze economic growth for the Philippines, aligning with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s goals for a digitally independent future, he said.
Orbits Satellite Corporation, a trusted provider of satellite communications across underserved and remote areas, shares this vision for a connected, digitally sovereign Philippines, Baculio said.
Through advanced satellite technologies, Orbits is committed to connecting disparate communities throughout the 7,641 island archipelago, aligning with government-backed initiatives for resilient digital communications and furthering Brightside’s long-term goals, Baculio added.
Under the Agreement, Brightside will represent Orbits as its partner and exclusive strategic advisor for business development and consulting.
Brightside will provide comprehensive support to Orbits in key areas
-Strategic Government Relationships and Advocacy, and
Leveraging its relationships with senior government officials and entities .
Brightside also will help Orbits secure national contracts and align with the Philippines’ urgent digital sovereignty goals. This effort will benefit from Brightside collaborations with the AUKUS Alliance, enhancing Orbits access to international technology partnerships.
-Funding and Investor Relations. Brightside will identify and engage investors and funding sources, creating an attractive return on investment for Orbits current and future satellite initiatives.
These support initiatives will strengthen Orbits and Brightside
position as a ally in the pursuit of digital independence in the Philippines.
- Vendor Engagement and Financing. Through Brightside extensive network, Orbits will access global satellite, defense, and infrastructure contractors and financing solutions from international financial institutions, government and sovereign wealth funds to support satellite development, deployment and management.
Together, we will empower communities with secure communications infrastructure, reinforcing the Philippines’ position in the global digital economy, Harriman said.
The partnership between Brightside and Orbits blends advanced satellite technologies with a shared mission to deliver resilient, secure communication services to the Philippines, he said.
This joint venture is not just improving infrastructure, but advancing digital security, enriching consumer offerings, and supporting long-term economic development, said Mark Munger, Chief Technical Officer of Brightside International.
Maurizio Tucci, Managing Director of Brightside said, “this is important partnership in aligning strategic objectives and future systems vision, providing the Philippines with the best the market can offer with integrated civil and dual satellite, mobile and terrestrial solutions.”
The Agreement outlines a plan to enter into a definitive understanding within 60 days, further solidifying the commitment to this strategic alliance. This collaboration represents a significant step toward enhancing the Philippines’ national security, economic development, and digital independence, said Danny Rostrata, Chief Technical Officer of Orbits Satellite Corporation. The US Embassy in the Philippines had earlier extended congratulatory message to Astranis for the successful launching of the internet satellite solely dedicated to the Philippines.
“This geostationary satellite, built through a partnership between Astranis and Orbits Satellite Corp, not only strengthens U.S.-Philippine ties but also promises to revolutionize internet connectivity across the Philippine archipelago , the US Embassy said in a statement released after Astranis had successfully launched the satellite internet in Cape Canaveral, Florida last in December last year.