In a landmark move for Philippine telecommunications, Globe Telecom has officially partnered with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct to Cell technology. This breakthrough service makes Globe the first carrier in Southeast Asia, and only the second in Asia, to leverage SpaceX’s advanced satellite constellation to provide seamless connectivity directly to standard LTE-capable mobile devices.
The partnership was inaugurated in a high-level briefing with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., underscoring the government’s commitment to digitizing the nation and ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the digital economy.
Unlike traditional satellite internet, which requires a bulky dish, Direct to Cell technology allows ordinary smartphones to connect to satellites as if they were “cell towers in space.” This eliminates the need for hardware upgrades or specialized apps for the end-user. As long as a user has a clear view of the sky, they can stay connected in the most remote corners of the archipelago—from isolated mountainous regions to distant fishing communities.
Beyond convenience, this partnership addresses critical gaps in national infrastructure:
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Disaster Resilience: In a country prone to typhoons and natural disasters, satellite-to-mobile connectivity ensures that communication lines remain open even when ground-based towers are damaged.
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Closing the “Last-Mile” Gap: The service brings digital equity to rural areas where building physical towers is geographically or economically challenging.
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Empowering Citizens: By providing universal access, Globe is enabling remote work, online education, and digital public services for every Filipino, regardless of location.
“This is about hope as much as it is about technology,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz. “We are building an inclusive, digital Philippines. By partnering with SpaceX, we are ensuring that learning, earning, and essential services are within every Filipino’s grasp, whether they are in the heart of Manila or on a remote island in Tawi-Tawi.”
Globe is currently conducting integration tests to ensure a seamless rollout. The service is expected to be commercially available to Globe subscribers in the near future, following regulatory approvals and technical optimization.
Globe Telecom is a leading digital solutions platform in the Philippines with major interests in telecommunications, financial services, and support for the country’s burgeoning digital lifestyle.
Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and now, direct-to-cell mobile connectivity.
