The Philippines is set to launch a Direct-to-Cell (DTC) service via a partnership between Globe Telecom and Starlink. The move has been hailed by the country’s president, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, who said that the collaboration will bring connectivity to remote and underserved communities in the country.
The two entities concluded a signing ceremony at the Globe Tower in Taguig City. During the ceremony, the president declared the “Next Generation Connectivity: Every Filipino Connected,” which will promote digital inclusion in the country.
“This partnership of Globe and Starlink complements our efforts to digitalize government systems, innovate learning platforms, and support countryside development,” Marcos said, calling the cooperation a milestone for a “more progressive, connected, and equitable” Philippines.”
“Because when connectivity reaches the countryside, it generates jobs, attracts investments, and brings essential services closer to the people. As we pursue this vision, we acknowledge our private sector partners who share this responsibility,” he added.
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Starlink’s DTC in the Philippines
With Starlink collaboration, Globe is bringing DTC service, which brings satellite connectivity to smartphones even in cellular dead zones without needing extra hardware. The service enables users to exchange SMS and use basic data services, which can become helpful to save lives in emergency situations.
“This service can mean the difference between isolation and connection, between uncertainty and reassurance,” he added.
Starlink’s DTC allows 4G LTE phones to connect to Starlink’s constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites for voice, text, and basic data services. It ensures connectivity even when cellular networks can’t reach and bridge the digital gap for the country while promoting digital inclusion and digital transformation.