The service will bring connection to areas with unavailable or unstable cellular connection.
On Friday, January 16, Philippine telecoms giant Globe officially launched its tie-up with Starlink for its Direct-To-Cell (DTC) service, which makes the network the first mobile carrier in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia to do so.
Set to begin in 2026, the service is touted to allow Filipinos with standard LTE mobile phones to access mobile services such as essential data that offers video, voice and messaging through apps, and text messaging, as long as there is “clear view of the sky.”
Globe will be leveraging Starlink’s over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, which act like cell towers in space. Starlink satellites connect seamlessly across the Starlink network over lasers to any point on the globe, enabling network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.
This will help it address mobile coverage gaps across geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in country and provide them access to digital government services through the eGov App.
Aside from that, the service will ensure mobile connectivity during times of natural disasters for subscribers, as these will also complement existing terrestrial infrastructure.
“This partnership with Starlink marks a historic step in our mission to build a digital inclusive nation,” noted Carl Cruz, President and CEO at Globe.
He continued, “Connectivity is no longer a privilege—it is a lifeline and a modern-day utility that fuels individual opportunity and national economic progress. By extending mobile reach through satellite technology, we are ensuring that every Filipino, whether in bustling cities or in the most remote barangays, has access to essential communication.“
Cruz also emphasized that more than using advanced technology, the partnership is about “inclusivity, resilience, and giving every citizen the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.”
At present, Starlink’s DTC has already connectrd more than 12 million customers across 22 countries in six continents.
It has also been proven vital in emergencies, delivering millions of SMS messages and Wireless Emergency Alerts when terrestrial networks were down.
This historic launch was also witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who noted in his speech, “From the very beginning of this Administration, we have been very clear: The future of the Philippines must be and will be digital—and it must be inclusive.”
He also said the Globe–Starlink partnership introduces new avenues for expanding mobile connectivity, particularly in areas “where traditional infrastructure remains challenging.”
In addition, “Sa pamamagitan ng D2C Service, madaragdagan ang mga teknolohiyang maaaring magbigay-ginhawa sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay,” the President said.
“Ito po ang ating layunin: Mas mabilis na internet access para sa bawat Pilipino. Pantay-pantay na oportunidad. At walang sinumang Pilipino na maiiwanan o mahuhuli,” added the President Marcos, who also shared that improved rural connectivity can generate jobs, attract investments, and bring essential services closer to communities.
