The Philippines is preparing to pilot satellite-to-phone mobile connectivity that allows standard LTE phones to connect without relying on ground-based cell towers, following a partnership between Globe Telecom and Starlink.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the initiative would make the Philippines the first country in Southeast Asia to test Direct-to-Cell services, a technology that links ordinary mobile phones directly to low-Earth-orbit satellites.
Under the setup, users will not need new handsets or additional equipment. Starlink’s satellite network will interface with Globe’s existing mobile system, enabling basic voice, messaging, and data services in locations where conventional cell towers are unavailable or impractical to build, such as remote islands and mountainous areas.
DICT officials said the technology could also play a role during disasters, when terrestrial networks are often damaged or cut off.
Satellite-to-phone connectivity would allow basic communications to continue even if power lines and cell sites are down, supporting coordination among affected communities and responders.
“This partnership will usher the Philippines into a new era of connectivity, especially for our unserved and underserved communities, and will be critical in times of disasters when communication can mean the difference between life and death,” said DICT secretary Henry Aguda.
Starlink has identified the Philippines as a priority market for expanding its Direct-to-Cell capability in Asia. According to the DICT, testing and proof-of-concept activities are expected to begin in the first half of 2026, focusing on geographically isolated and disaster-prone areas beyond the reach of existing mobile infrastructure.
Globe said the initiative builds on its broader network investments and subscriber base, positioning satellite connectivity as a supplement rather than a replacement for traditional mobile networks.
Direct-to-Cell services are already being tested or rolled out in several countries, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and parts of Europe and Latin America.
