Mobile services provider Globe Telecom will roll out Starlink’s Direct to Cell (DTC) satellite service in the Philippines starting this year, making it the first mobile network operator to offer the service in the country and Southeast Asia, and the second in Asia.
The service will allow users with standard LTE mobile phones to access basic mobile services, including data for video, voice, and messaging apps, as well as text messaging, as long as they have a clear view of the sky. It is designed for areas where traditional mobile networks are unavailable or difficult to build, which is a common challenge in an archipelagic country.
Globe said the satellite-based service will help close mobile coverage gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). It will also support access to digital government services, including those available through the eGov App. The company added that satellite connectivity can serve as a backup when land-based networks are disrupted, especially during typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
“Connectivity is no longer a privilege, it is a lifeline and a modern-day utility that fuels individual opportunity and national economic progress,” said Carl Cruz, president and CEO at Globe. “By extending mobile reach through satellite technology, we are ensuring that every Filipino, whether in bustling cities or in the most remote barangays, has access to essential communication. More than using advanced technology, the partnership is about inclusivity, resilience, and giving every citizen the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.”
The DTC service works with regular LTE phones and does not require special devices. Globe said this will help serve communities that remain outside existing mobile coverage, estimated at about 4% of the population. Rural and maritime areas are expected to benefit from more reliable access to mobile communication. During emergencies, the service is intended to help users and first responders stay connected when ground-based networks are down.
Starlink Direct to Cell is a satellite-to-mobile service developed by SpaceX. It allows LTE phones to connect directly to satellites, which function like cell towers in space. The satellites link with each other using laser technology, allowing connections across long distances and enabling integration with mobile networks in a way similar to roaming.
Globally, Starlink’s DTC service is already in use in several countries and has been used to send emergency text messages and alerts during network outages. With Globe as its local partner, the companies said the service aims to improve access to basic mobile connectivity for households, businesses, and communities across the Philippines, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.