Philippines Becomes First Southeast Asian Country to Launch Satellite-to-Phone Technology
Manila, February 9, 2026 — The Philippines is setting a new benchmark in telecommunications across Southeast Asia with the recent unveiling of its satellite-to-phone technology partnership between Globe Telecom and SpaceX’s Starlink. This innovative collaboration, announced by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), allows ordinary LTE mobile phones to connect directly to Starlink’s constellation of over 650 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, eliminating the reliance on traditional cell towers.
Bridging Connectivity Gaps with Satellites in Space
Under this groundbreaking initiative, Filipino mobile subscribers can now access voice calls, text messaging, mobile data, video services, and more through a direct satellite connection. The technology effectively transforms each LEO satellite into a “cell tower in space” by utilizing advanced phased-array antennas and laser-linked communication systems. This seamless integration with existing mobile networks ensures users do not need to purchase specialized satellite phones or invest in additional infrastructure.
Enhancing Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
The launch of satellite-to-phone technology represents a significant milestone for a country like the Philippines, which contends with an average of twenty tropical cyclones annually. These natural disasters often cripple ground-based communication infrastructure, leaving communities isolated when connectivity is most critical for coordinating relief and rescue operations.
“Through this partnership, the Philippines ushers in a new era of connectivity, particularly benefiting unserved and underserved communities," said DICT Secretary Henry Aguda. "Reliable communication during disasters can mean the difference between life and death. We will continue to encourage and support investments that broaden access and ensure no Filipino is left behind in the digital age.”
Targeting Remote and Disaster-Prone Areas
Initial testing and pilot deployments of this technology are slated for the first half of 2026. Focused primarily on remote islands, mountainous regions, and other areas beyond the reach of conventional cell towers, this initiative aims to drastically improve network accessibility across the archipelago’s most challenging terrains. The Philippines, alongside Indonesia, has been earmarked as a key market for these satellite-enabled 4G/LTE services, positioning it as a critical testbed within the region.
Globe’s Pioneering Investment and Subscriber Base
Globe Telecom’s commitment of USD 1.0 billion to this project, along with its substantial subscriber base of 63.1 million users, signifies the tangible scale and potential impact of satellite-to-cell technology. If successful, the partnership could revolutionize connectivity for marginalized communities, thereby enabling better education access, supporting local economies, enhancing emergency response, and improving everyday communications in previously disconnected areas.
Joining a Global Movement
The Philippines now joins a growing list of countries adopting Direct-to-Cell satellite services, with major telecommunications operators in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, Chile, Peru, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom already embracing similar technology.
As this next-generation connectivity rolls out domestically, the Philippines stands at the forefront of bridging digital divides in Southeast Asia, harnessing space technology to bring everyone closer—in both representation and communication.
Source: DICT Website, Asia News Network, Philippine Daily Inquirer
