Far EasTone partners with Amazon Leo, service could launch next year, says President

(CNA, Taipei, 20th, by reporter Chiang Ming-yen) Far EasTone Telecommunications is collaborating with Amazon's low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network service, Amazon Leo. President Chee Ching stated that the launch will follow a government review process and is hoped for "as soon as possible," with a potential launch next year. Regarding Chairman Douglas Hsu's health, she said, "The chairman is in recovery," and mentioned reporting on an AI investment case to him via video call, adding, "He is very clear-headed now, he's started scolding people."

On the 19th, Far EasTone announced it had signed a cooperation agreement with Amazon Leo, the LEO satellite internet service under the global e-commerce and cloud computing giant Amazon, becoming its authorized reseller in Taiwan to introduce high-speed LEO satellite services.

At Far EasTone's shareholder meeting today, Chee Ching said in an interview, "This is a good thing. Having another satellite service provider helps develop network resilience. We are optimistic and very happy to have signed this deal."

Regarding the launch timeline, she stated it must follow government procedures, with currently 6 or 7 regulatory hurdles to overcome. Far EasTone has initiated processes including applying for frequency with the Ministry of Digital Affairs and submitting an operational plan to the NCC, which could take at least 9 months. Detailed planning will follow, and the target customer group is still being planned. LEO satellites add another layer of network protection, the importance of which was highlighted by previous typhoons, and Taiwan cannot rely solely on Oneweb. She hopes for a timeline that is "as soon as possible," with a potential for next year.

On whether it is an exclusive partnership, Chee said the collaboration with Amazon was natural due to shared frequencies. As for other companies entering the market, she commented that it's not like opening convenience stores where more is better; it depends on the business opportunities. Regarding future collaborations with other telecom operators on satellite business, she stated that Far EasTone maintains an open attitude.

Addressing the increased power demand driven by AI, she said Far EasTone is planning AI data centers, which are very power-intensive and difficult to forecast and manage. The company is considering its network's power needs, as the burgeoning AI application industry will impact the mobile network. Far EasTone has planned network energy-saving projects, estimating a reduction of over 2 million kWh next year. The company's renewable energy proportion is 5.2% this year, with plans to purchase wind power. After wind power is incorporated in 2027, the proportion will reach 18%, and could reach 40% by 2028.

Additionally, in response to media inquiries about Chairman Douglas Hsu's health, Chee said, "The chairman is in recovery." She recounted a video call where she, from Neihu, reported to the chairman at the Far Eastern Plaza Hotel about an AI investment, which he strongly supported. She said, "He is very clear-headed now, he's started scolding people." (Editor: Chang Liang-chih)