Globe, Starlink partner to bring direct-to-cell satellite service in PH

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnesses the memorandum of agreement signing between Globe and Starlink to bring the latter’s direct-to-cell service to the Philippines. pic.twitter.com/mtn3OGBVJ8

— Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) January 16, 2026

Globe Telecom Inc. and American tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink inked Friday a partnership deal to bring the latter’s direct-to-cell (DTC) satellite in the country.

Globe president and CEO Carl Cruz and Starlink senior partnerships manager Damien Innes signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA), making the Ayala-led telco to be the first to market Starlink’s DTC service in the Philippines and Southeast Asia and second in Asia.

Starlink’s DTC is a satellite-to-mobile wireless service launched by SpaceX, Starlink’s parent, which gives connectivity in remote areas where traditional terrestrial service is not available, requiring only an LTE phone acting like a cell tower in space.

The ceremonial MOA signing was witnessed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“This partnership between Globe and Starlink introduces an option for expanding mobile connectivity, especially in areas where traditional infrastructure remains challenging. Through the launch of Direct-to-Cell or D2C service—first in Southeast Asia and second in Asia—we made satellite-powered mobile connectivity available in the Philippines.

It is a service that allows smartphones to directly connect to Starlink’s low-orbit satellites—no additional hardware, no special applications required,” Marcos said.

The Globe-Starlink partnership would allow connectivity in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable or difficult to deploy, especially in an archipelagic country comprising over 7,600 islands.

“This partnership with Starlink marks a historic step in our mission to build a digital inclusive nation,” Cruz said.

“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. More than using advanced technology, the partnership is about inclusivity, resilience, and giving every citizen the opportunity to thrive in the digital age,” the Globe CEO said.

Globe, through Starlink’s constellation of over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, is aiming to address mobile coverage gaps across geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

Cruz said that satellite-to-mobile service works with standard LTE phones, thus serving the underserved communities and the remaining 4% of the Filipino population who live in areas without any terrestrial coverage. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News