Globe Telecom has officially launched Starlink's satellite-to-mobile service in the Philippines, becoming the first telecommunications provider in Southeast Asia to commercially offer direct-to-device satellite connectivity. The rollout follows regulatory approval from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), signed by NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez.
Key Takeaways
- Globe is the first telco in Southeast Asia to commercially deploy Starlink satellite-to-mobile
- NTC approved the service to reach the 3–4% of Filipinos still outside terrestrial network coverage
- Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers access the service from ₱99; postpaid Plan 1499 and above is included free
- Compatible with LTE smartphones (active Globe SIM required); iPhone support is not yet available
- The technology was already deployed during a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, reaching more than 150,000 customers
What Is Satellite-to-Mobile, and Why Does It Matter for the Philippines?
Starlink's satellite-to-mobile (Direct-to-Cell) technology connects compatible smartphones directly to low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites when those phones are outside the reach of traditional cell towers. No special satellite dish or external antenna is required — subscribers only need a compatible LTE smartphone and a clear view of the sky.
For the Philippines, a country of more than 7,600 islands with mountainous terrain and frequent exposure to typhoons and earthquakes, this is a meaningful development. Globe president and CEO Carl Raymond Cruz said the service is designed to cover the remaining 3 to 4 percent of Filipinos who are still outside the footprint of conventional terrestrial mobile networks — areas where building cell towers is not economically or physically feasible.
"Given the NTC's approval for commercial launch, Globe can now extend its reach beyond our traditional towers, ensuring that even in the most remote or disaster-stricken areas, Filipinos will remain connected," Cruz said.
Plans and Pricing
Globe has structured two tiers of access for the satellite-to-mobile service:
- Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers: Available through a dedicated Globe Starlink promo starting at ₱99
- Globe Platinum and Postpaid subscribers on Plan 1499 and above: Included at no additional charge
The service currently supports:
- Voice and video calls through supported apps (messaging and VoIP apps)
- SMS text messaging
- Navigation apps
iPhone compatibility is not yet available. Compatible devices must support LTE and have an active Globe SIM card enrolled in a Globe Starlink plan.
First Deployed During Earthquake Emergency Response
Globe's satellite-to-mobile technology was already put to real-world use before the commercial rollout. The service was activated in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani in Mindanao following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, when terrestrial networks were disrupted.
Globe said the deployment benefited more than 150,000 customers, enabling emergency communications when conventional cell towers were damaged or inaccessible. This first-response deployment underscores the technology's potential value for disaster-resilient connectivity — a critical need for a country that experiences some of the world's most severe typhoons and seismic activity.
A Regional First for Southeast Asia
Globe signed a memorandum of agreement with SpaceX's Starlink in January 2026, making the Philippines the first country in Southeast Asia to formally pursue satellite-to-mobile connectivity through a national telco. The commercial launch on June 30, 2026, following NTC authorization, confirms the Philippines leads the region in deploying this next-generation connectivity layer.
The NTC's approval aligns with the government's broader digital transformation agenda — bridging the digital divide in underserved communities and strengthening communication resilience in disaster-prone regions.
FAQ
Which smartphones work with Globe Starlink satellite-to-mobile?
Compatible devices must support LTE connectivity and be enrolled with an active Globe SIM card. iPhone support is not yet available, but Globe is expected to expand device compatibility over time.
How do I subscribe to Globe Starlink satellite-to-mobile?
Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers can subscribe through a dedicated Globe Starlink promo starting at ₱99. Postpaid subscribers on Plan 1499 and above have it included at no extra charge. Check the GlobeOne app for available promos.
Does it work everywhere in the Philippines?
The service works when you have a clear view of the sky and your phone is outside Globe's terrestrial coverage. Starlink's LEO satellites provide nationwide overhead coverage, including in isolated barangays and remote islands.
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