By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Globe Telecom has introduced a P99 satellite-to-mobile service powered by Starlink, marking the country’s first commercially approved direct-to-cell (DTC) offering designed to keep Filipinos connected in areas beyond the reach of conventional cellular networks.
The Ayala-led telecommunications company announced Wednesday that Globe and TM prepaid subscribers can avail themselves of the Starlink-powered service beginning at P99, providing affordable access to satellite connectivity for users in remote and underserved communities.
The service, which officially entered commercial operation on June 30, enables compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites without relying on traditional cell towers.
For Globe postpaid customers, subscribers under Plan 1499 and above, along with Globe Platinum members, will receive the satellite service at no additional cost. Qualified postpaid users are entitled to a three-month free trial, while Platinum customers will enjoy one year of complimentary access.
Initially available on supported Android and HarmonyOS devices, the service allows users to send SMS, use navigation tools, conduct digital transactions, and communicate through popular applications such as Viber, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, eGov PH, GCash, and GlobeOne even in locations with little or no cellular coverage. Support for Apple iPhones is expected in a future update.
Globe said the initiative is aimed at improving connectivity for residents of isolated communities, travelers, emergency responders, and field personnel operating in areas where mobile signals are unreliable or unavailable.
“Connectivity should not stop where mobile towers end,” said Eric Tanbauco, Globe’s Vice President for Consumer Mobile Business, stressing that dependable communications are increasingly vital for daily life, economic opportunities, and emergencies.
Ahead of the commercial launch, Globe conducted successful field trials in Rizal, Batangas, and Bataan, where the satellite technology demonstrated its capability to support text messaging, app-based communications, navigation services, and digital financial transactions despite the absence of conventional network infrastructure.
The rollout positions Globe among the first telecommunications providers in the region to commercially deploy direct-to-cell satellite technology, expanding digital access to communities long underserved by traditional mobile networks.
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