As new satellite providers explore opportunities in the Philippines and around the world, discussions about the future of telecommunications often focus on a single question: Will satellites replace traditional mobile networks?
For Globe, the conversation is bigger than any one technology. As new connectivity solutions emerge, the company believes the focus should remain on expanding digital access, protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring that innovation benefits more Filipinos.
Globe supports technology-neutral policies that encourage innovation while ensuring that all connectivity providers uphold high standards for service reliability, security and consumer protection, and fair competition. Achieving universal connectivity will require collaboration among industry players, regulators, technology providers, and policymakers, with the goal of ensuring every Filipino has access to reliable, secure, and accessible digital services.
“No single technology can connect a nation,” said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom. “The challenge is not deciding which technology wins. The challenge is ensuring every Filipino has access to reliable connectivity wherever they are. Mobile networks, fiber infrastructure, submarine cables, and satellite technologies each have a role to play in building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Philippines. And this is exactly what we hope to fully achieve as we map out our footprint in the country.”
As digital services become increasingly embedded in everyday life, connectivity has evolved into essential infrastructure. Education, healthcare, financial services, government transactions, and emergency response all depend on reliable digital access, making connectivity as critical to modern society as other basic utilities.
For decades, mobile networks, fiber infrastructure, and submarine cables have formed the backbone of the Philippines’ digital ecosystem. These investments continue to provide the capacity, speed, and resilience needed to support millions of Filipinos, businesses, and communities every day.
At the same time, satellite technology is opening new opportunities to reach areas where traditional network deployment remains challenging. Remote islands, geographically isolated communities, transportation corridors, and disaster-affected locations can benefit from satellite capabilities that extend the reach of existing networks and help strengthen connectivity where it is needed most.
Rather than viewing satellite and terrestrial networks as competing technologies, Globe sees them as complementary components of a broader connectivity ecosystem. This approach is reflected in Globe’s efforts to build a multi-network platform that integrates mobile, fiber, wireless, submarine cable, and satellite technologies, including its partnership with Starlink to offer satellite-to-mobile capabilities that can help extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional cellular infrastructure and provide additional resilience during emergencies and disaster response.
Globe has already begun integrating satellite capabilities into its connectivity ecosystem. The company has also recently deployed satellite-based connectivity solutions during emergency response efforts in Mindanao, providing an additional layer of communications support in affected areas while network restoration activities were underway.
This presents a significant opportunity for a country like the Philippines, where geography has long posed challenges to expanding connectivity. By combining multiple technologies, the industry can help close coverage gaps, strengthen network resilience, and bring digital opportunities to more communities across the country.
For Globe, the future is not satellite versus mobile. It is about building a seamless connectivity ecosystem where technologies work together to ensure every Filipino can stay connected and participate fully in an increasingly digital world.
