Taiwan has partnered with Luxembourg-based satellite service provider SES to enhance its digital resilience and ensure seamless communication in challenging scenarios. This collaboration is part of Taiwan’s two-year plan to strengthen its digital infrastructure. SES, with its expertise and extensive satellite fleet, will play a crucial role in this endeavor.
SES, known for its annual revenue exceeding 2 billion euros, manages a fleet of over 70 geostationary satellites from its headquarters in Betzdorf, Luxembourg. These satellites are synchronized with the Earth’s rotation and are responsible for broadcasting nearly 8,500 TV and radio channels worldwide, including many in high definition. With such a vast network, SES brings its valuable expertise to the table for Taiwan’s digital resilience project.
As part of the partnership, SES will assist Taiwan in establishing a medium-earth orbit (MEO) satellite network to complement the country’s existing satellite infrastructure. Taiwan is also in discussions with British company OneWeb to explore the possibility of deploying a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite system, further strengthening its satellite capabilities. This strategic collaboration aims to test the effectiveness of non-geostationary satellite infrastructure in ensuring uninterrupted communication during conflicts.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs in Taiwan is driving this project. Minister Audrey Tang emphasizes the importance of deploying over 700 LEO satellites across Taiwan to create a robust chain of command and communication. In situations where LEO satellites might not be readily available, SES’s MEO satellites will seamlessly fill the communication gaps, ensuring continuous connectivity.
SES plays a pivotal role as the primary provider of satellite services, enhancing Taiwan’s digital readiness. This partnership aligns with Taiwan’s mission to enhance its digital infrastructure and resilience for seamless communication in challenging scenarios.
By collaborating with a reputable satellite service provider like SES, Taiwan is taking significant steps toward bolstering its digital resilience. This two-year plan, driven by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, aims to test the effectiveness of non-geostationary satellite infrastructure and establish a strong satellite network across the country.
This partnership with SES will enable Taiwan to establish a medium-earth orbit (MEO) satellite network and potentially deploy a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite system through discussions with OneWeb. With SES’s vast satellite fleet and experience, Taiwan’s digital infrastructure will be equipped to handle and overcome various challenges, ensuring uninterrupted communication.
Minister Audrey Tang highlights the importance of deploying LEO satellites across Taiwan to establish a robust chain of command and communication. By integrating LEO and MEO satellite systems, Taiwan aims to create a seamless network that can maintain connectivity even in situations with limited LEO satellite availability.
SES’s MEO satellites will play a vital role in filling communication gaps during such scenarios, preserving continuous connectivity for Taiwan. As the primary provider of satellite services for this project, SES is instrumental in bolstering Taiwan’s digital readiness and resilience.
This strategic collaboration between Taiwan and SES marks a significant milestone in Taiwan’s digital transformation journey. The partnership is an essential step toward enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure and ensuring seamless communication in challenging scenarios. With SES’s expertise and vast satellite fleet, Taiwan is well-positioned to achieve its goal of digital resilience and readiness.
