Satellite technology to expand connectivity in remote areas —Globe

Telecommunications firm Globe said it is now focused on what satellite technology can deliver and how it can benefit Filipinos in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“Using Starlink mobile in remote areas demonstrated SMS messages were sent and received almost instantaneously, while users were also able to access app-based calls, messaging platforms such as Viber and WhatsApp, navigation apps, eGov PH, GlobeOne, and GCash even in areas beyond traditional mobile coverage,“ Globe president and CEO Carl Cruz said.

Globe said more satellites in orbit spell the difference in providing stronger service continuity, better network responsiveness and faster user experience in remote and underserved areas.

Starlink has 650 low-Earth orbit satellites that power data, calls, videos, and messaging across the globe.

On May 21, Globe Telecom demonstrated its DTC satellite service with Starlink, linking Obando, Bulacan to Basilan through a video call and short message service.

A live trial was also conducted in March in parts of Rizal, Batangas, and Bataan.

Globe is set to launch its DTC satellite service with Starlink by June, initially for Android users. The packages to be offered are P99 for 30 days and P299 for 90 days.

The telco said industry studies also point to the growing importance of large-scale satellite infrastructure in the future of mobile connectivity. GSMA Intelligence noted that satellite constellation deployments have accelerated significantly ahead of commercial satellite-to-mobile rollouts, underscoring how scale and orbital capacity are becoming critical differentiators in delivering reliable satellite-to-mobile experiences.

Globe further said that the momentum behind satellite-to-mobile technology continues to accelerate globally, with several major telecommunications operators already partnering with Starlink to expand connectivity beyond traditional network coverage.

These include operators in the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Latin America, reflecting growing industry confidence in large-scale low Earth orbit satellite infrastructure as a viable complement to terrestrial mobile networks.

The telecommunications company noted the value of large-scale low Earth orbit satellite infrastructure in helping extend essential connectivity services to geographically isolated and underserved communities.

It said that while satellite-to-mobile technology is not intended to replace terrestrial mobile networks, it can provide a meaningful and dependable connectivity experience in areas where traditional coverage remains unavailable or economically difficult to deploy.

Designed to complement existing networks, Globe further said the technology can help bridge critical coverage gaps, strengthen network resilience, and expand access to communication, digital services, education, financial tools, and economic opportunities for communities that have long remained beyond the reach of conventional infrastructure.—AOL, GMA News