- Chunghwa Telecom partners with Astranis for Taiwan’s first dedicated satellite
- Launch planned by end of 2025 to enhance network resilience
What happened: Chunghwa Telecom and Astranis collaborate on Taiwan-focused satellite
Chunghwa Telecom has announced a strategic partnership with U.S.-based satellite manufacturer Astranis to develop and launch Taiwan’s first dedicated communications satellite. The satellite, utilizing Astranis’s MicroGEO technology, is scheduled for deployment by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to bolster Taiwan’s network resilience and ensure reliable communication services across the island.
The collaboration complements Chunghwa Telecom’s existing multi-orbit satellite infrastructure, which includes partnerships with Eutelsat OneWeb for LEO services and SES for MEO systems. By integrating the new MicroGEO satellite, Chunghwa Telecom seeks to enhance its “Sea, Land and Sky” network strategy, providing robust and secure connectivity solutions. The dedicated satellite will serve as a critical backup for terrestrial networks, particularly in scenarios involving natural disasters or other disruptions.
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Why it’s important
The Chunghwa Telecom-Astranis partnership marks a key step in strengthening Taiwan’s telecom infrastructure. By deploying a dedicated satellite, Taiwan reduces reliance on undersea cables and boosts emergency communication capabilities. This aligns with global trends that prioritise satellite technology for continuous connectivity.
Astranis’s MicroGEO satellite will deliver low-latency, high-capacity services across Taiwan. The integration enhances digital resilience and showcases Taiwan’s commitment to advanced satellite adoption. It also highlights the strategic need to diversify communication networks and guard against future disruptions.