27 October 2023
Manila, Philippines / Arizona, USA – NOW Corp, a publicly listed firm in the Philippine Stock Exchange with investments in telecom, media, and technology, has inked an alliance by way of a Memorandum of Understanding with Mangata Networks, Inc., a USbased company offering satellite-enabled connectivity & intelligent edge computing solutions
This collaboration comes as a direct response to the increasing demand from enterprises in the Philippines for robust, high-capacity, low-latency connectivity, guaranteed by a service agreement. By leveraging Mangata Networks’ multi-orbit satellite constellation, NOW Corp can offer enhanced services and ensure network resiliency to its customers. Mangata’s initial 32-satellite constellation will consist of 8 HEO (highly elliptical orbit) and 24 MEO (medium Earth orbit) satellites. Combined with a terrestrial network of edge data centers, Mangata will provide seamless connectivity and intelligent cloud computing services around the globe. With a latency less than 100ms round-trip and speeds of more than 10Gbps to a single site, Mangata can support real-time connectivity even in remote locations, such as providing remote healthcare to a cargo ship at sea. The hybrid constellation approach allows each set of satellites to work together to dynamically optimize capacity, throughput, and overall system performance, providing global coverage with as few as 21 spacecraft.
From left to right: MoU Signing at Grand Hyatt in BGC. Mangata Network’s VP for Global Sales Operations Danielle Quint, Chief Commercial Officer Jerome Hewlett, NOW Corp’s President & CEO Henry Abes and Managing Director Kristian Pura
The combination of orbits and technology give Mangata’s satellite system superior coverage and a wider footprint using a single satellite compared to lower Earth orbit satellites. Mangata’s commercial Service-Level Agreement (SLA) guarantees excellent service quality and 99.5% network availability at a cost-effective price compared to industry competitors.
Mangata’s secure, low-cost solution complements NOW Corp’s commitment to providing affordable connectivity in the Philippines. Moreover, this partnership is in alignment with NOW’s USTDA grant initiative to develop digital infrastructure and expand access to reliable connectivity across the country.
“We are delighted to be partnering with NOW Corp. Our solutions will allow reliable enterprise-quality services to be provided within the Philippines on a secure network”, said Jerome Hewlett, Chief Commercial Officer of Mangata Networks. “Enterprises want guaranteed information rates, with flexible data services, and no data caps. Combining satellite capacity with cloud-based services enables secure private networks and gives more control to the Philippines government and enterprise businesses to control the costs and security of their digital infrastructure.”
“This alliance with Mangata aligns with our objective to establish a trusted network in the country. Currently, we focus on the enterprise market and Mangata’s solution matches the sophisticated demands of the market when it comes to having reliable satellite connectivity,” says Henry Andrews Abes, President and CEO of NOW Corp.
Through this partnership, NOW Corp Philippines customers will have access to Mangata Networks’ MangataEdge™, which extends the reach of 5G and IoT connectivity into hardto-reach areas, bringing cloud applications closer to users, and integrates with NOW Corp’s secure network infrastructure.
Mangata’s spectrum and orbits have been approved by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the international governing body that regulates the use of radio frequency spectrum. In February 2023, Mangata received a license to provide service in the United Kingdom. Mangata is in the process of securing a similar authorization from the FCC to operate in the United States. Earlier this year, Mangata announced a maritime product hub and regional headquarters in Singapore. Additionally, the company is about to close its Series-B fundraise which will be used to complete the design of its payload and begin construction of a state-of-the-art space engineering hub. Mangata is targeting the launch of its satellite communication services in 2026.
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) partners with NOW Corp and NOW Telecom for secured connectivity solutions and ICT services
On 18 September 2023, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by and among the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (“CICC”), NOW Telecom Company, Inc., and NOW Corporation for the provision of secured connectivity solutions and ICT services to CICC and key agencies to support CICC’s operation and mandate to foster the nation’s cybercrime resiliency and promote sound cyber-risk management.
In photo: NOW Telecom President and COO Rene L. Rosales, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Undersecretary Alexander K. Ramos, NOW Corp President and CEO Henry B. Abes, & Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Atty Alvin M. Navarro, Director IV
NOW-Fortinet forges ties for Philippine Cybersecurity and 5G Security
Makati City, Philippines – [September 08, 2023] – Fortinet, Inc., the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, and NOW Corp, a company specializing in digital connectivity solutions, have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cybersecurity and 5G security in the Philippines, expediting the nation’s digital transformation journey
This MOU signifies a shared commitment to enhancing security solutions tailored for enterprises across the country. By synergizing Fortinet’s cutting-edge cybersecurity expertise with NOW Corp’s prowess in delivering connectivity and security solutions, this partnership seeks to provide robust security solutions that align with the dynamic needs of the Philippine market.
Recognizing the crucial role that 5G technology plays in driving the digital transformation journey, Fortinet and NOW Corp are working together to establish a secure ecosystem for the development and deployment of cutting-edge 5G applications. This initiative involves fortifying the foundations of the 5G ecosystem and identifying potential vulnerabilities and addressing them with the right solutions.
In photo: NOW Corp Managing Director Kristian Pura, Fortinet Philippines Country Manager Alan Reyes, NOW Corp Pres and CEO Henry Andrews Abes
“NOW Corp and our telecommunications affiliate, NOW Telecom, play a pivotal role in advocating for the adoption of secure networks within telecommunications infrastructure, commonly referred to as a ‘Trusted Network.’ Through our ongoing partnership with the United States Government, the NOW Group is committed to establishing a secure, high-speed, and reliable network that spurs not only economic growth but also ensures national security. Our collaboration with Fortinet aligns with our Indo-Pacific agenda, which emphasizes the development of secure and resilient network architectures. Furthermore, this alliance strengthens NOW Corp’s Managed Services offering, enriching our portfolio with cybersecurity services to cater to the evolving needs of the enterprise market,” said Henry Andrews Abes, President and CEO of NOW Corp.
Silicon Valley-based firm CELONA and NOW forges partnership to advance Private Network Solutions in the Philippines
Campbell, CA & Manila, Philippines
17 August 2023
Celona, Inc., a Silicon Valley-based leading innovator of enterprise private wireless systems, NOW Corporation, and NOW Telecom Company, Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver next generation private wireless 5G LAN solutions to enterprises throughout the Philippines.
Under the MOU, the parties agree to pursue, collaborate, and focus on the expansion of NOW’s current broadband telecom network by rolling out turnkey stand-alone (SA) private wireless networks specifically engineered for the enterprise market.
The private wireless LAN solutions will benefit the enterprise market looking to quickly deploy a private wireless network that is built on cloud-first architecture, utilizing plug-and-play technology, self-organizing wireless, and sophisticated quality of service features that ensure reliable and deterministic performance. NOW will leverage on Celona’s products and technology to help businesses expedite bringing private wireless network applications to market, streamlining costs, mitigating operational challenges, simplifying the customer experience, and enabling the ability to easily scale their connectivity as demands change. NOW will utilize Celona’s complete end-to-end portfolio of new NR products as part of its private wireless managed service offering.
Earlier this year, Celona unveiled the industry’s first all-inclusive collection of indoor and outdoor 5G NR products for the U.S. and global market that support a wide range of international 5G NR bands.
The Celona-NOW partnership will target key vertical markets such as manufacturing, oil and natural gas, logistics and transportation ports looking to automate business processes, improve productivity and streamline operations.
“We view private wireless as the next technology to revolutionize the enterprise as digital transformation initiatives drive business transformation,” said Henry Andrews Abes, NOW Corp President and CEO. This initiative is in support of NOW’s Unified Connectivity service portfolio which includes broadband delivered via its NOW Fiber Air, satellite connectivity, and SD-WAN solutions.
“As a strategic offshore hub, the Philippines represents a massive opportunity to deliver innovative private wireless solutions at scale to what is effectively an untapped market. With a best-in-class private wireless network purposely architected for the enterprise, Celona is an ideal partner to help us capitalize on this opportunity,” Abes concluded.
In photo: NOW Corp President and CEO Henry Abes, CELONA Vice President for Global Carrier Operations Sanjeet Pandit, and NOW Telecom President and COO Rene Rosales
For his part, NOW Telecom’s President and COO, Rene L. Rosales, said that this initiative will contribute to the Industrial 4.0 of the Philippine telco landscape.
“We’re thrilled to support NOW in realizing the full vision for private networks within the enterprise to help usher in a new generation of business and industrial applications,” said Rajeev Shah, Co-Founder and CEO of Celona. “We’re confident that our market-leading products and technology will play a crucial role in setting the right conditions for private networks within the Philippine market to modernize the operational efficiency and productivity of NOWs enterprise customers.”
The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority or CEZA, and the NOW Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to institutionalize partnership in developing telecommunications infrastructure in the Province of Cagayan. During the signing ceremony held on August 3, 2023, CEZA Administrator Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile expressed her warmest welcome and high hopes for this landmark initiative to support the current administration’s ambitious vision of “The Digital Philippines.” #LovingWhatYouDo #CEZA #NowCorp #NowTelecom
Posted by Loving What You Do on Saturday, August 5, 2023
Building the Digital Philippines: Pioneering Alliance between CEZA, NOW Corp, and NOW Telecom
The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority or CEZA, and the NOW Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to institutionalize partnership in developing telecommunications infrastructure in the Province of Cagayan. During the signing ceremony held on August 3, 2023, CEZA Administrator Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile expressed her warmest welcome and high hopes for this landmark initiative to support the current administration’s ambitious vision of “The Digital Philippines.” #LovingWhatYouDo #CEZA #NowCorp #NowTelecom
Posted by Loving What You Do on Saturday, August 5, 2023
Press Release
3 August 2023
Makati City, Philippines — A landmark agreement has been reached between the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and the NOW Group in a trailblazing project to advance the Philippines’ telecommunications and digital infrastructure. The initiative, embodied in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) signed by the Parties, is designed to support the current administration’s ambitious vision of “The Digital Philippines.”
The MoU paves the way for NOW Corp and NOW Telecom to cooperate with CEZA in designing a world-class and Communications Critical Infrastructure that includes the provisioning of unified connectivity, software systems and services that would operate in the province of Cagayan and CEZA locators and people. As an important initial step in this direction, it is hoped that the digital infrastructure system and design to be presented and proposed to CEZA after the technical studies are completed will form the basis for moving forward with the proposed Project.
Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Maka7 City
The Hon. Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile, CEZA Administrator and CEO and Mel V. Velarde, Chairman of the
NOW Group.
Together with Carlos Miguel Hernandez, Chief of Staff, and Atty Marichelle de Vera, Deputy Administrator for Operations of CEZA, Henry
Andrews Abes, President & CEO of NOW Corp., and Rene L. Rosales, President and COO of NOW Telecom
The proposed Project intends to deploy fixed wired, fixed wireless, terrestrial, satellite, and other delivery systems to CEZA ensuring reliable and quality broadband and other ICT services to CEZA’s locators. CEZA’s strategic positioning and critical infrastructure underscore its profound significance. Its vicinity to two Philippine-American military bases, integral to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the United States and the Philippines, amplifies its global security influence. Furthermore, its proximity to Taiwan positions CEZA as a potential extension for Taiwan’s industrial zones, underscoring its commercial and
strategic reach.
CEZA Administrator Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile said “CEZA welcomes this initiative and interest of NOW Corp. and NOW Telecom in pursuing this transformative project which underpins our commitment to national development. By attracting investments and fostering innovation, we are charting a course toward a digital future. This complements our efforts to develop CEZA as a critical hub of economic activity and technological progress not just for northern Luzon but for the entire country as well. By tapping NOW, a U.S. Government partner, CEZA aims to ensure a clean, reliable and secured information infrastructure to serve the Ecozone and the people of Cagayan, and to contribute as well to the advancement of EDCA’s goals.
Mel V. Velarde, Chairman of the NOW Group, stated, “Our partnership with CEZA is a demonstration of our commitment to support the current administration’s Digital Philippines. As we advance in this era of digital transformation, we prioritize reducing the digital divide region by region. Our strategic intent is to leverage the power of technology and telecom, presenting a growth potential that can captivate international investors and locators.
To recall, NOW was recognized by the recent visit of U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris as its partner for the deployment of a secured 5G mobile network and NBN. The United States Government, acting through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) provided a grant to NOW. The Project of NOW with the US Government supports the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), further underscoring the United States’ commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region.
“Initiatives like this reaffirm the positive trajectory of the Philippines’ digital revolution,” added Secretary Enrile. “We look forward to a bright future with the continued collaboration with the private sector.”
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the parties marks the start of their commitment to this monumental initiative, all in alignment with the government’s vision of a fully digitized, connected, and prosperous Philippines.
LOCALLY listed firm Now Corp. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication company to bring high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to the Philippines.
Under the MoU, OneWeb Network Access Associates Ltd. will bring the connectivity solutions it offers to enterprises, the government, and other customers in the Philippines.
“The integration of multi-orbit satellites provides a surprisingly compelling customer experience in both fixed and mobile applications,” Now Corp. Chairman Mel V. Velarde said in a press release.
“Our alliance with OneWeb and with the support of the United States government to the Now Group will provide a clean, secure, and SLA-based connectivity to critical infrastructures such as banks, hospitals, schools, mining sites, power plants, government, and all other entities under the country’s digital economy,” he said.
The satellite company plans to complete its rollout of global coverage within the year, banking on its fully built-out constellation of LEO satellites.
“This is an exciting partnership that is set to bring transformational connectivity to people, businesses, and government bodies throughout the Philippines. We are thrilled to count Now as a partner and ally in our push to bring true global connectivity,” OneWeb Chief Executive Officer Neil Masterson said.
“By tapping into the power of this global network, Now will be able to extend services into hard-to-reach areas and enhance the speed, latency and resiliency of its existing offerings,” the local firm said.
Previously, Now Corp. tapped Cisco International Ltd. to bring the latter’s 5G solutions to the Philippines. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
SOURCE: BWORLDONLINE
OneWeb and NOW Corporation, a publicly listed firm in the Philippine Stock Exchange with investments in telecom, media, and technology, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to the Philippines.
The partnership combines the satellite technology of OneWeb with NOW Corp’s existing broadband service and strong local presence, especially in the enterprise market. OneWeb’s LEO satellites will provide seamless connectivity, enabling NOW to offer range of enhanced broadband services to sectors including government, aviation, maritime, military, energy, healthcare and banking. With an eye toward serving such critical infrastructure, NOW says it will work closely with OneWeb in order to deliver stable, high-speed, low latency broadband connectivity with committed information rates (CIR).
Under this MoU, OneWeb will bring to enterprise, government and other customers in the Philippines the connectivity solutions it offers in a growing number of markets. With its constellation of LEO satellites now fully built out, OneWeb is set to complete its rollout of global coverage this year. By tapping into the power of this global network, NOW will be able to extend services into hard-to-reach areas and enhance the speed, latency and resiliency of its existing offerings.
Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb, commented: “This is an exciting partnership that is set to bring transformational connectivity to people, businesses and government bodies throughout the Philippines. We are thrilled to count NOW as a partner and ally in our push to bring true global connectivity. NOW has done tremendous work toward getting the people of the Philippines online, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to enhance and build upon this work with an LEO connectivity solution that is fast, secure and reliable across vast distances, seas and rugged terrain.”
SOURCE: ADVANCE TELEVISION
BY EMMIE V. ABADILLA
AT A GLANCE
NOW Corporation, NOW Telecom Company, Inc. and Cisco International Limited on Thursday, April 27 disclosed they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy 5G technology nationwide.
NOW Corporation, NOW Telecom Company, Inc. and Cisco International Limited on Thursday, April 27 disclosed they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy 5G technology nationwide.
The collaboration will facilitate NOW’s transformation into a digital service and mobile telecommunications provider enabling the Philippines’ 2030 Vision and National Transformation Plan.
Furthermore, it will bring monetizable 5G solutions to the public sector, key enterprise verticals and consumers.
Specifically, it will benefit NOW’s Enterprise customers in the manufacturing, logistics, port operations, banking, and BPO industries.
By leveraging Cisco’s solutions as-a-service, NOW can now provide its customers with speed, agility, and scalability to their specific business needs.
The partnership allows NOW access to Cisco’s solutions, the latest in connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other advanced technologies.
“The NOW Group is determined to bring about true 5G and NBN technologies in the Philippines,” says Mel Velarde, Chairman of NOW.
“Given the ongoing digitization of businesses, mobile carriers will require the advanced capabilities of 5G networks such as high speed, low latency, reliability, and dynamic provisioning,” explained Sanjay Kaul, President of Service Provider for Cisco in the Asia Pacific & Japan region.
“Through our partnership with NOW, we can support their network infrastructure’s transition into this new era of digitization by harnessing the potential of 5G technology.”
NOW can also take advantage of Cisco’s extensive experience and expertise in providing solutions for various industries.
Overall, the partnership combinesNOW Telecom’s local market knowledge and customer relationships with Cisco’s global reach and expertise in providing advanced networking solutions.
SOURCE: MANILA BULLETIN
NOW Corp. and Now Telecom Co., Inc. have moved to transform the group into a digital service and mobile telecommunications provider with its tie-up with Cisco International Ltd.
“Now Group is determined to bring about true 5G and National Broadband Network (NBN) technologies in the Philippines, together with its partnership with the US Government,” Now Corp. Chairman Mel V. Velarde said in a press release.
“Cisco, being a technology leader, will definitely play a significant role in enabling Now’s network with best of class technologies,” he added.
Through the alliance, listed telco Now will be able to roll out advanced 5G solutions that are expected to benefit its enterprise customers in the manufacturing, logistics, port operations, banking, and business process outsourcing industries.
“Given the ongoing digitization of businesses, mobile carriers will require the advanced capabilities of 5G networks such as high speed, low latency, reliability, and dynamic provisioning,” said Sanjay Kaul, president of service provider for Cisco in the Asia Pacific and Japan region.
“Through our partnership with [Now], we can support their network infrastructure’s transition into this new era of digitization by harnessing the potential of 5G technology,” he added.
The tie-up will help Now in customizing its end-to-end solutions to better meet the needs of its customers.
“Overall, this partnership between Now and Cisco brings together the strengths of the parties, combining Now Telecom’s local market knowledge and customer relationships with Cisco’s global reach and expertise in providing advanced networking solutions,” the company said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
SOURCE: BWORLD ONLINE