Satellite‑to‑mobile service comes to the Philippines
Globe is the first PH operator to get approval from the National Telecommunications Commission to offer direct to device satellite connectivity.
Daily TribuneGlobe is the first PH operator to get approval from the National Telecommunications Commission to offer direct to device satellite connectivity.
Being an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines faces significant challenges in building continuous terrestrial networks. Another is its vulnerability to typhoons, earthquakes, and other disasters that frequently disrupt connectivity.
To address these barriers, Globe partnered with Starlink to launch satellite‑to‑mobile technology in the country.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) recently granted Globe the green light to commercially operate Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile services nationwide, providing voice, video and messaging over apps and SMS.
The NTC approval signed by Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez states the commission is granting the permit to Globe pursuant to the national agenda of the Philippine government to ‘advance inclusive digital transformation and support the NTC’s mandate to bridge the digital divide for communities across the country’.
As the Philippines’ first commercially approved satellite-to-mobile service, Globe is leveraging Starlink’s advanced satellite constellation that acts as a “cell tower in space” and supports nationwide coverage even when traditional networks are unavailable.
More than just another connectivity option, it is a lifeline intended to keep Filipinos connected in remote areas and during emergencies, bridging gaps, protecting lives, and reinforcing connection in the most critical moments.
Connectivity in remote areas: A lifeline beyond cell towers
With Globe Starlink, connectivity is now possible wherever you may be in the country, even in remote communities or places where traditional cell towers cannot reach.
Given the NTC’s approval for commercial launch, Globe can now extend its reach beyond traditional towers, ensuring that even in the most remote or disaster‑stricken areas, Filipinos remain connected. This milestone reinforces our commitment to uplift lives, support businesses, and keep the nation connected.
This acts as the network support that fills the gap with reliable SMS and light data access. This means you can access essential messaging apps and messages in places once considered unreachable.
Connectivity in emergencies: When networks are unavailable
During calamities, power outages, or when terrestrial networks are unavailable, Globe’s satellite-to-mobile service provides a last‑mile safety net when staying connected may mean the difference between safety and peril.
By connecting directly to Starlink Mobile’s low-Earth orbit satellites, it ensures continuity of communication when it matters most, whether it’s coordinating relief, checking on loved ones, or accessing critical updates.
Globe Starlink provides peace of mind that connectivity will remain available even in challenging conditions.
“This new satellite-to-mobile technology enhances digital inclusion and accessibility,” said Carl Cruz, president and CEO of Globe. “Given the NTC’s approval for commercial launch, Globe can now extend its reach beyond traditional towers, ensuring that even in the most remote or disaster‑stricken areas, Filipinos remain connected. This milestone reinforces our commitment to uplift lives, support businesses, and keep the nation connected.”
As the Philippines’ first commercially approved satellite-to-mobile service, Globe is leveraging Starlink’s advanced satellite constellation that acts as a “cell tower in space” and supports nationwide coverage even when traditional networks are unavailable.
Recently, Globe Starlink deployed its satellite‑to‑mobile service in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, marking its first use case for disaster response in the Philippines that supported emergency communications in the hardest‑hit areas, which has benefited more than 150,000 customers.
For more information on Globe’s satellite-to-mobile service, visit https://glbe.com.ph/Starlink.