The Philippines has become the first country in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia to launch satellite-powered Direct-to-Cell (D2C) mobile connectivity, following a partnership between Globe Telecom and Starlink—a development President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed as a major boost to digital inclusion and disaster resilience.
The milestone was marked by the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Globe and Starlink on Friday at The Globe Tower in Taguig City, according to a Malacañang news release.
President Marcos said the initiative aligns with the administration’s goal of building a digital future that reaches even the country’s most remote and underserved communities.
“With the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Globe and Starlink, we take a huge step forward towards a more progressive, connected, and equitable Philippines,” the President said.
“This collaboration is proof of our shared commitment to bringing connectivity to even the farthest communities in our archipelago,” he added.
Under the partnership, the Philippines rolls out Direct-to-Cell technology, which allows smartphones to connect directly to Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites without the need for additional hardware or special applications.
The service enables basic mobile functions such as messaging and data access, particularly in areas where traditional telecom infrastructure remains difficult to deploy.
“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,” President Marcos said.
The President underscored that digital inclusion has been a priority of his administration from the outset, framing connectivity as both a development necessity and a government responsibility.
“From the very beginning of this Administration, we have been very clear: The future of the Philippines must be and will be digital—and it must be inclusive,” he said.
“We envision a country where every child can learn without limits, where every farmer can access markets beyond their barangay, where small businesses can grow beyond their neighborhoods, and where families can stay connected no matter how far apart they may be,” he added.
President Marcos also highlighted the technology’s importance during emergencies, noting that satellite connectivity can continue operating even when land-based networks are damaged by typhoons and other natural disasters.
“Sa pamamagitan ng D2C Service, madaragdagan ang mga teknolohiyang maaaring magbigay-ginhawa sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay,” the President said.
He reiterated the government’s push to strengthen digital infrastructure, fast-track government digitalization, expand online learning platforms, and support countryside development through better connectivity.
“Ito po ang ating layunin: Mas mabilis na internet access para sa bawat Pilipino. Pantay-pantay na oportunidad. At walang sinumang Pilipino na maiiwanan o mahuhuli,” President Marcos said, noting that improved rural access can spur job creation, attract investments, and bring essential services closer to communities.
The President also acknowledged Globe’s role in shaping the country’s digital ecosystem through innovation, cybersecurity initiatives, and community empowerment, and recognized Starlink and SpaceX for bringing advanced satellite technology to the Philippines.
“What Globe and Starlink are doing today brings us closer to that goal. It shows that when the government and private sector move with purpose and shared commitment, we broaden the possibilities for a more connected Philippines,” he said.
“So, together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino finds their place in this new digital world,” the President added.
The Globe-Starlink partnership combines satellite and terrestrial technologies to expand coverage in remote and disaster-prone areas, marking a key step toward more inclusive and resilient connectivity nationwide.