The biggest telecom provider in Taiwan, Chunghwa Telecom Co. (中華電信), is getting ready to launch Taiwan’s first sovereign satellite by the end of this year. In terms of satellite communications, this represents a major turning point for the nation.
Chunghwa Telecom Takes a Big Step in Satellite Technology
The term “sovereign satellite” means that Taiwan will fully own and control the satellite. Chunghwa will have complete rights over its operation, use, and bandwidth. This ensures that Taiwan can maintain secure and independent communications, especially in times of emergencies like natural disasters or geopolitical tensions.
The new satellite will be a third-generation compact geostationary satellite (MicroGEO), built in partnership with Astranis Space Technologies Corp, a U.S.-based space company. Signed in April, the agreement is valued at NT$4 billion, or roughly US$137.8 million.
This MicroGEO satellite is different from larger satellites as it is more compact and efficient. Once it is launched, it is expected to start service by the second half of next year, according to Chunghwa Telecom Chairman Alex Chien (簡志誠).
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The company’s ST-2 satellite is one of Chunghwa’s current space assets, which are expanded by this satellite project.
Strengthening Taiwan’s Communication Security
Apart from building its own satellite, Chunghwa Telecom is also making big moves in the global satellite industry. The company has successfully negotiated exclusive agency rights with some of the biggest names in the low-orbit satellite business.
Currently, there are only four major low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite companies in the world. Due to regulatory issues, Chunghwa Telecom cannot partner with Starlink, one of the most well-known companies. However, the telecom has secured exclusive deals with the other three:
- Eutelsat OneWeb (United Kingdom)
- Kuiper Systems (United States)
- Telesat (Canada)
These partnerships could help local Taiwanese companies become part of the global satellite supply chain, boosting Taiwan’s role in the industry.
Furthermore, Chunghwa Telecom and SES SA, a Luxembourg-based business, have inked a contract. SES SA is the only firm in the world that operates medium Earth orbit satellites, giving Chunghwa a unique edge in the region.
To move forward with these services, Chunghwa has already applied for frequency spectrum allocation from the Ministry of Digital Affairs. It is currently waiting for approval from the National Communications Commission (NCC) before it can launch its satellite-based services.
Chunghwa is also talking to countries in Northern Europe to explore further satellite cooperation projects.
Submarine Cables Add Another Layer of Security
In addition to satellite advancements, Chunghwa Telecom is working on improving Taiwan’s underwater communication infrastructure. Submarine cables are important because they allow Taiwan to connect with the rest of the world through high-speed internet and phone networks.
Chunghwa now runs four cable landing sites and seven international undersea cables. The business currently intends to construct one new landing station and seven additional undersea cables.
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In the second half of this year, two of these new cables that link Taiwan to Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong will come online. Another new cable will link Taiwan with Japan, Singapore, and India.
One of the most significant projects is a trans-Pacific fiber optic cable called E2A, which is expected to become operational by 2028.
Additionally, Taiwan has nine domestic undersea cables that link the main island to neighboring islands such as Lienchiang (Matsu), Kinmen, and Penghu. A fourth cable to connect these islands is currently under construction and is expected to be completed next year.
To keep the cables safe from damage by ships or other accidents, Chunghwa has taken extra measures. These include:
- Adding protective layers to the cables
- Burying them deeper under the seabed
- Monitoring and safeguarding the wires in close coordination with the Coast Guard Administration
Chunghwa is also using artificial intelligence (AI) to help monitor and maintain these cables, making the entire network more resilient and reliable.
Chunghwa Telecom’s combined efforts in space and undersea communication are not just technical upgrades—they are strategic steps to improve Taiwan’s overall communication safety and infrastructure. With the upcoming launch of its first sovereign satellite, Taiwan is moving forward with a strong and secure approach to global connectivity.
