The Social Security System (SSS) has taken a major step toward improving internet connectivity in its remote service offices by partnering with iOne Resources, Inc., the local distributor of Starlink satellite services. This collaboration aims to deliver high-speed internet to areas where traditional service providers either don’t operate or face significant connectivity challenges.

SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet announced that the agency has initially procured Starlink satellite services for ten sites across the country, with a three-year subscription. He emphasized that the project is focused on enhancing the efficiency of branch operations, especially in areas that have historically struggled with reliable internet access.

“These ten locations will now have satellite internet services, which are essential to keeping up with our growing online service demands,” Macasaet said. “So far, three of our selected sites—Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi—have already been successfully connected to Starlink, and the remaining seven will follow soon.”

The use of Starlink in remote offices brings significant improvements, offering speeds between 100 to 200 Mbps with low latency of 25 to 60 milliseconds, ensuring smoother operations and reliable data transfers.

“Satellite internet is a game-changer for locations that face geographical challenges, as it can offer high-speed, low-latency connections even in the most isolated areas,” Macasaet explained.

Macasaet also hinted at the possibility of expanding their collaboration with other internet service providers to further address connectivity challenges in other branch offices, ensuring that even more SSS members, employers, and pensioners can access essential services online.

“With the bulk of SSS services now available online, reliable internet access is crucial for maintaining service quality and efficiency. This partnership with iOne Resources and Starlink will help us bolster our IT infrastructure and deliver a more dependable online experience,” Macasaet added.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in SSS’s mission to enhance its digital infrastructure, especially as more members rely on the agency’s online services for their social security needs.

Alberto Catangui, President and CEO of iOne Resources, Inc., expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting its significance in transforming connectivity in remote regions.

“We at iOne Resources are proud to partner with SSS in bringing Starlink’s cutting-edge satellite internet technology to locations that need it the most,” Catangui said. “This project is a testament to our commitment to helping government agencies, businesses, and communities bridge the digital divide. We believe that high-speed, reliable internet is not a luxury, but a necessity for enabling progress, improving operations, and enhancing service delivery.”

Catangui added that this partnership with SSS is only the beginning of what iOne Resources aims to achieve in expanding Starlink’s reach to other underserved areas in the Philippines. “Our mission is to ensure that even the most remote parts of the country can stay connected and experience the benefits of modern digital infrastructure,” he noted.

With this collaboration, SSS and iOne Resources are not only solving current connectivity issues but also paving the way for a more connected future for the Philippines.