Starlink Direct-to-Cell Service Debuts in the Philippines Through Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom announced the launch of Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (DTC) satellite service in the Philippines, making it the first mobile operator in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia to offer the technology.

The service enables users with standard LTE mobile phones to access data, voice, and messaging services via satellite, provided they have a clear view of the sky. It does not require specialized devices and is designed to extend mobile coverage to areas where terrestrial networks are limited or difficult to deploy, including remote and island communities.

The DTC service operates through Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, which currently consists of more than 650 satellites. Globe Telecom said the technology is intended to help address connectivity gaps in geographically isolated and underserved areas across the Philippines, an archipelagic country with more than 7,600 islands.

In addition to expanding coverage, the service is expected to support disaster response efforts by maintaining communication capabilities during extreme weather events and other emergencies when ground-based infrastructure may be disrupted.

"This partnership with Starlink marks a historic step in our mission to build a digitally inclusive nation," said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom. "Today, connectivity is a lifeline, a modern‑day utility that fuels opportunity and economic progress. By extending mobile reach through satellite technology, we are ensuring that every Filipino, whether in bustling cities or remote barangays, has access to essential communication."

Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service, developed by SpaceX, integrates with existing terrestrial mobile networks and functions similarly to a cell tower in orbit. The technology has been used in various markets to support connectivity and emergency communications when traditional networks are unavailable.

Globe Telecom stated that the collaboration with Starlink is intended to provide households, businesses, and communities in the Philippines with more consistent mobile connectivity, particularly in areas that are currently underserved.

Source: Globe Telecom, Inc.

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