Globe has become the first telecommunications company in the Philippines to receive a commercial permit from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to operate Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile service, giving Filipinos in remote areas and disaster-hit communities access to SMS and data without relying on traditional cell towers.
The NTC permit, signed by Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez, authorizes Globe to offer voice, video, and messaging over apps and SMS through Starlink’s satellite network. The approval cites the national agenda to “advance inclusive digital transformation and support the NTC’s mandate to bridge the digital divide for communities across the country.”
For the Philippines – an archipelago of over 7,000 islands regularly battered by typhoons and earthquakes – terrestrial networks have always had blind spots. This service fills those gaps by connecting directly to Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites, which function as a cell tower in space and can provide coverage anywhere a device has a clear view of the sky.
Globe already put the technology to work during a real emergency. After the magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck parts of Mindanao, Globe deployed the satellite-to-mobile service in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani – its first disaster-response use case in the country, supporting emergency communications that reached more than 150,000 customers in affected areas.
Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe, said the NTC approval opens the door to coverage beyond what ground-based infrastructure can reach. “This new satellite-to-mobile technology enhances digital inclusion and accessibility,” Cruz said. “Given the NTC’s approval for commercial launch, Globe can now extend its reach beyond traditional towers, ensuring that even in the most remote or disaster-stricken areas, Filipinos remain connected. This milestone reinforces our commitment to uplift lives, support businesses, and keep the nation connected.”
The service is already available to Globe subscribers. Prepaid and TM customers can access it starting at ₱99, while Globe Platinum and Postpaid subscribers on plans of ₱1,499 and above get it at no extra charge. It requires an active Globe SIM enrolled in a Globe Starlink promo and an LTE-capable Android device (iOS support is not yet available). On dual-SIM phones, the Globe SIM must be set as the default for data and texts. Some devices may also need mobile data roaming turned on to connect, though Globe confirms that no additional roaming fees apply when used within the Philippines.
Globe says the service supports access to messaging apps, navigation, and SMS – enough for emergency communication and basic connectivity in areas with no ground signal.
