Globe Telecom has partnered with Starlink to introduce Direct-to-Cell (DTC) satellite connectivity in the Philippines, making it the first mobile operator in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia to roll out the service.
Why it Matters: Satellite-to-phone connectivity allows standard LTE smartphones to send messages, access data, and make calls in areas without traditional cell towers, a key development for an archipelagic country with thousands of islands and hard-to-reach communities.
The service uses low-Earth orbit satellites to function like a “cell tower in space,” enabling users with regular LTE mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without additional hardware. This approach is designed to cover locations where terrestrial infrastructure is limited, unavailable, or damaged, including mountainous regions, remote islands, and disaster-affected zones.
Globe said the partnership will help close connectivity gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas while also strengthening communication resilience during typhoons, earthquakes, and other emergencies. Satellite-based access is positioned as a backup layer when ground networks become unavailable, supporting both citizens and emergency responders.
Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology is developed by SpaceX and integrates with existing mobile networks to provide roaming-like coverage from orbit. The system relies on a growing constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites designed to deliver messaging, voice, and data services directly to compatible phones with a clear view of the sky.
With Globe acting as the local network partner, the rollout aims to extend basic mobile services to households, businesses, and public institutions beyond the reach of conventional towers. The collaboration reflects a broader industry shift toward hybrid terrestrial-satellite networks as operators look for cost-effective ways to expand coverage and improve disaster readiness across large geographic territories.
