On February 10, Spanish news agency Agencia EFE reported that Taiwan is developing diversified emergency communications systems to address potential blockade scenarios, citing DSET National Security policy analyst Cathy Fang.
EFE noted that Taiwan relies primarily on submarine cables for both international and domestic communications, but these infrastructures face security risks. Taiwan currently has 14 international and 10 domestic submarine cables, with an average of 7 to 8 incidents of damage per year, some linked to Chinese-affiliated vessels.
Fang explained that, given the potential loss of submarine cables in a conflict, the government has designated satellite and microwave communications systems as priority backup channels for “government command, emergency coordination, and critical public services.” Their primary role is to support voice communications, secure messaging, situational reporting, and limited data transmission sufficient for decision-making and operational continuity. She added that the Ministry of Digital Development has identified 6,882 critical infrastructure sites, including hospitals, emergency units, local government offices, and shelters, of which about 700 have been equipped with satellite terminals.
Taiwan is expanding microwave broadband and satellite capacity while reducing reliance on single suppliers. The government is integrating LEO (OneWeb), MEO (SES), and GEO (ST-2) satellites into a multi-orbit hybrid network managed locally by Chunghwa Telecom. Chunghwa Telecom is also deploying a geostationary satellite in cooperation with U.S.-based Astranis, while FarEasTone is partnering with Amazon’s Kuiper LEO satellites. The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) is developing domestic LEO satellites, with an estimated need for at least 150 satellites to ensure communications resilience.
Fang emphasized that international satellite systems carry structural dependency risks. For example, Some satellite service providers passes through overseas ground stations before being backhauled to Taiwan via submarine cables. Pressure on third-country ground stations could have catastrophic consequences for Taiwan’s communications, she said. Fang concluded that sovereignty over ground stations and local data processing and transmission capabilities are central to maintaining communications resilience.
EFE also reported that the Taiwanese government plans to invest NT$27 billion (US$856 million) over the next five years in communications technology and aims to establish a satellite launch facility in Pingtung County by 2031.
Founded in 1938, Agencia EFE is a semi-official Spanish international news agency, one of the most influential in the Spanish-speaking world, with offices in 110 countries and 180 cities.
