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Taiwan
ChinaMilitary

Taiwan ramps up backup satellite network plans in island defence strategy

  • Project involves setting up 773 hotspots and backhauls by the end of next year to protect Taiwan’s communications network
  • National Security Bureau says efforts were spurred by the cutting of two undersea cables linking the island with Matsu in February

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Taiwan is working to back up its communications network to protect itself in the event of a cross-strait conflict. Photo: Shutterstock
Lawrence Chungin Taipei
Taiwan is developing a backup satellite network to secure its communications with the outside world in the event of a cross-strait conflict.
Analysts have said the project – which initially aims to set up 773 satellite internet hotspots and backhauls by the end of next year – is vital, as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would most likely want to paralyse the island’s operations by destroying its communications network in the event of an attack.

Under the NT$540 million (US$16.7 million) project, the government-funded Telecom Technology Centre (TTC), is required to set up 11 non-geostationary orbit satellite hotspots and five links for cellular satellite backhauls around Taiwan by the end of this year, with more to come next year, according to the island’s digital ministry.

Non-geostationary orbit satellites move in relation to the Earth’s surface, enabling better coverage for mobile satellite services and remote areas.

Meanwhile, satellite backhauls help improve cellular services in areas that are highly difficult, if not impossible, to reach using conventional means, such as cable or microwave.

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As part of the project, TTC will install and test 21 hotspots and nine backhaul links in Taiwan as well as one satellite link site overseas by the end of March next year. Altogether, it is set to establish 700 hotspots across Taiwan and 70 backhaul links in remote areas and outlying islets, plus three link sites abroad by the end of 2024, according to the ministry officials.
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