The Ministry of Digital Affairs ( MODA) announced that to enhance the resilience of communication networks during major disasters, it supported the Telecom Technology Center (TTC) last year in using non-geostationary satellite orbit as emergency response communication networks. As of the end of June this year, both Taiwan's main island and offshore islands such as Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, and Orchid Island can receive signals from the Medium-Earth Orbit satellite system SES and the Low-Earth Orbit satellite system OneWeb adopted by TTC. These satellite systems enable instant messaging, news video streaming, and other internet application services through satellite equipment, achieving the initial goal of strengthening Taiwan's communication resilience through diverse and heterogeneous response networks.

MODA explained that conventional landline phones, mobile phones, and internet services may become unavailable during major natural disasters and other emergencies. The MODA initiated a two-year non-geostationary satellite verification project to enhance the resilience of Taiwan's command system communication networks, which started last year. Through Proof of Concept (PoC) testing, the project assessed the feasibility of low and middle-orbit satellite communication networks as emergency backup networks when existing communication systems are disrupted. The command system or areas without heterogeneous backup communications, such as the Central Disaster Prevention and Response Council, Taiping Island, Matsu, and Orchid Island, will prioritize using relevant satellite equipment at the critical nodes.

During the 2024 Hualien earthquake, the MODA dispatched emergency network mobile units and low-orbit satellite equipment to assist rescue units and provide emergency communication for victims, utilizing SES middle orbit satellite and OneWeb low orbit satellite services. Following the mission, TTC and its collaborating partner Chunghwa Telecom conducted several months of nationwide network speed tests to assess OneWeb signal coverage. All Taiwan Island and offshore islands (excluding the Dongsha and Nansha area) can use OneWeb low orbit satellite services smoothly, supporting basic internet applications such as instant messaging, voice and video calls, and watching standard quality videos. The network performance in northern Taiwan is solid, with an average download speed of up to 90Mbps and an upload speed of 14Mbps, suitable for file transfers and high-definition video streaming.

MODA stated that with the addition of OneWeb's satellite ground stations in Thailand becoming operational in the second half of the year, the internet speeds across Taiwan and offshore islands will significantly improve, ensuring more stable satellite communications services. The MODA will continue to oversee TTC's 773 non-geostationary satellite stations by the end of the year, providing a stable and secure emergency communication system for the government's command system in emergencies.