The Philippines’ Globe Telecom to Launch SE Asia’s First D2C Satellite Service with Starlink
Globe Telecom has signed an agreement with Starlink to deploy Direct-to-Cell (DTC) satellite connectivity in the Philippines, becoming the first operator in Southeast Asia, and the second in Asia, to introduce the technology.
The service will allow users with standard LTE smartphones to access voice, data, and messaging directly from satellites without specialized hardware, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
With more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines faces persistent connectivity challenges in remote regions. By leveraging Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit (LEO) constellation, Globe aims to extend mobile reach to geographically isolated communities where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult or uneconomical to deploy.
Satellite-enabled coverage is also expected to strengthen emergency communications during typhoons and other natural disasters, ensuring citizens and first responders remain connected even if ground networks fail.
The partnership reflects growing worldwide momentum behind satellite-to-smartphone services, positioning Globe among a rising cohort of operators integrating space-based connectivity into national telecom strategies.