Chunghwa Telecom has entered a partnership with Astranis to create a geostationary satellite specifically designed for Taiwan. This collaboration is a key part of Chunghwa’s strategy to enhance network coverage and resilience, with the satellite scheduled for launch by the end of 2025. Chunghwa indicated that its satellite will enable full bandwidth services as soon as next year, marking the first communications satellite tailored for the Taiwanese market.
The satellite is part of a larger collection known as Block 3, which is expected to be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket later this year. Christian Keil, a spokesperson for Astranis, confirmed that this project represents the company’s largest commercial endeavor to date, although financial details have not been disclosed. He noted that Chunghwa Telecom is paying a premium due to the urgency and national significance of the mission.
This new satellite will operate on Ka-band frequencies, augmenting Chunghwa’s existing satellite network, which includes various satellites in geostationary, low Earth, and medium Earth orbits. Chunghwa stated that this initiative aligns with its goal of establishing a robust non-terrestrial network to bolster Taiwan’s infrastructure—particularly its “Sky, Land, Sea, and Air” connectivity—especially during natural disasters or disruptions affecting underwater cable connections. Chunghwa’s chairman, Alex C.C.
Chien, emphasized the importance of this project in developing secure communications infrastructure for Taiwan. He underscored the need for backup systems amid global uncertainties. In echoing this sentiment, Astranis CEO John Gedmark pointed out the company’s mission to provide secure satellite capacity for regions requiring independent connectivity.
Each Astranis satellite is more compact than traditional geostationary systems and is designed to cater to regional markets. The upcoming Block 3 launch will include not only Chunghwa’s satellite but also others designated for networks in Mexico, Thailand, and the Philippines. Despite some challenges with its previous satellite deployments, Astranis remains committed to this innovative approach to satellite technology.