Regarding the potential collaboration between Amazon's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service Project Kuiper and Taiwan, Far EasTone Telecommunications General Manager Ching Chi confirmed in an interview that the two parties are "in close negotiations." She emphasized that Far EasTone plans to use its 28 GHz spectrum as a shared frequency band for the satellite, which is "legal and compliant," and the collaboration is expected to launch the service in Taiwan as early as the beginning of 2027.
The core controversy: Is it legal to use 5G spectrum for satellites?
The background to this news is that Kuiper wants to expand into Taiwan, and the 28 GHz band held by Far EasTone is exactly what Kuiper needs. However, Chunghwa Telecom Chairman Chien Chih-cheng previously stated that he "will still try his best to fight for it" and raised questions about the legality of using 5G spectrum for satellite purposes.
FarEasTone cites regulations: technology neutral, shared access agreement signed.
In response, Ching Chi, in a follow-up interview at the press conference where she and heavyweight partners such as the Taiwan Creative Content Conference, CJ ENM, and TVBS jointly announced the establishment of the "Taiwan-Korea Entertainment Culture Content Fund" and the "Yuanle Cultural and Creative Entertainment Fund," stated that in accordance with the channel usage regulations of the Telecommunications Management Act, the principle of "technology neutrality" has always been adopted.
She pointed out that in February of this year, under the leadership of the Ministry of Digital Development (MODA), satellites were included in the scope of harmonious sharing of the 28 GHz spectrum. Recently, MODA also had telecommunications operators sign harmonious sharing agreements for the 28 GHz spectrum and satellites. "From a legal and compliance point of view, there is absolutely no problem."
Emphasizing market openness and resilience, Kuiper possesses advantages in ground stations.
Ching Chi also admitted that "frequency shifting is very difficult," and stated that while he respects Chunghwa Telecom's leading position, the telecommunications market is open and not monopolistic, and the Taiwan market already has... OneWeb Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Service"Multiple galaxies and multiple operators are a good thing in terms of resilience," she emphasized.
She revealed that FarEasTone and Kuiper "had a very good talk, and even spoke on the phone yesterday," and that everything was being prepared "calmly and methodically."
Ching Chi analyzed that OneWeb's lack of receiving stations in Taiwan would affect its communication coverage performance, while Kuiper's plans include ground receiving stations, resulting in highly accurate coverage. Far EasTone will also assist with site selection. She added that even if Far EasTone signs a contract with Kuiper, there are still opportunities for future cooperation with Chunghwa Telecom.
Timeline: Deployment completed by the end of 2026; launch in Taiwan in early 2027.
Regarding the specific timeline, Ching Chi stated that Kuiper's satellite project is expected to be deployed by the end of next year (2026). Based on this, the earliest the service could be launched in Taiwan is early 2027.
Regarding the details of when the two parties will officially sign the contract and whether it will be an exclusive agreement, Jing Qi said that they are still in negotiations and will announce the details in the future.
