MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom said satellite technology could become a key differentiator in expanding connectivity across the Philippines, particularly in geographically isolated and underserved communities, as the company prepares to roll out its satellite-to-mobile service in partnership with Starlink.
Globe said the quality of customer experience in satellite-to-mobile services would depend largely on the scale, density, and maturity of the satellite constellation supporting the network.
“We are focused on what satellite technology can deliver today and how it can benefit Filipinos who are currently unserved and underserved,” Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz said.
“This is precisely why we chose to partner with Starlink, a globally proven platform with over 10,000 low Earth orbit satellites in space being used by major operators around the world to expand connectivity beyond traditional network coverage,” he added.
The company issued the statement following reports questioning the speed and reliability of satellite-based connectivity compared to terrestrial mobile networks.
Globe said initial tests using Starlink’s mobile satellite service in remote areas produced positive results, with SMS messages reportedly sent and received almost instantaneously.
The company added that users were able to access app-based calls and digital platforms such as Viber, WhatsApp, eGov PH, GlobeOne, and GCash even in locations beyond traditional cellular coverage.
Globe emphasized that, similar to terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure, the scale of a satellite network plays a critical role in service quality.
The company said a larger number of satellites in orbit could help improve service continuity, network responsiveness, and user experience in remote areas.
Citing industry studies, Globe noted that satellite constellation deployments have accelerated globally ahead of commercial satellite-to-mobile rollouts.
According to GSMA Intelligence, the expansion of large-scale satellite infrastructure is becoming a critical factor in delivering reliable satellite-to-mobile connectivity services.
Globe also pointed out that several major telecommunications operators in countries including the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Ukraine, and parts of Latin America have already partnered with Starlink to extend connectivity beyond traditional network coverage.
The company stressed that satellite-to-mobile technology is not intended to replace terrestrial mobile networks, but rather to complement existing infrastructure by addressing connectivity gaps in areas where conventional networks remain unavailable or economically difficult to deploy.
Globe said the technology could help strengthen network resilience and expand access to communication services, digital platforms, education, financial tools, and economic opportunities for communities that have long remained beyond the reach of traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
