The Philippines has become the first country in Southeast Asia to roll out satellite-to-phone technology, following a partnership between the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Globe Telecom, and satellite provider Starlink that allows ordinary LTE mobile phones to connect directly to satellites for calls, text, and mobile data, even without cell towers.
The DICT announced that the technology enables standard LTE-enabled mobile phones to access voice, messaging, video, and data services through Starlink’s constellation of more than 650 low-Earth orbit satellites.
The system removes the need for new devices or ground-based communications infrastructure by integrating satellite connectivity directly into existing mobile networks.
According to the DICT, the technology effectively transforms each satellite into a “cell tower in space,” using advanced phased-array antennas and laser-linked satellite systems to provide coverage in areas where traditional cellular infrastructure is unavailable or has been damaged.
The rollout marks a major development for the Philippines, where telecommunications networks are frequently disrupted by natural disasters.
The country experiences an average of around 20 tropical cyclones annually, often resulting in damaged cell towers and prolonged communication outages in affected communities.
“This partnership will usher the Philippines into a new era of connectivity, especially for our unserved and underserved communities, and will be critical in times of disasters when communication can mean the difference between life and death,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said.
“We will continue to support and welcome investments that expand access and ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the digital age,” he added.
Under the partnership, Globe subscribers will eventually be able to connect to the satellite network using their existing mobile phones once the service becomes commercially available.
The DICT said this would ensure continuity of communication during emergencies, particularly in remote islands, mountainous areas, and disaster-prone regions where building and maintaining cell towers is difficult.
The Philippines, alongside Indonesia, has been identified as a priority market in the initial rollout of satellite-enabled 4G/LTE connectivity in Southeast Asia.
Officials said the country’s geography—composed of more than 7,600 islands—makes it an ideal testbed for technologies designed to bridge connectivity gaps in hard-to-reach locations.
Initial testing and proof-of-concept deployments are expected in the first half of 2026.
These tests will focus on areas that remain outside the coverage of conventional cellular networks, including isolated communities and regions frequently affected by typhoons, earthquakes, and floods.
The DICT noted that the scale of Globe’s operations is a key factor in accelerating the adoption of the technology. Globe has committed an investment of approximately $1 billion and currently serves about 63.1 million subscribers nationwide.
Officials said this scale could help move satellite-to-phone connectivity from pilot testing to widespread, real-world use.
If successfully deployed, the technology could significantly alter how connectivity is delivered in remote areas.
Government officials said it could support distance learning, digital commerce, telemedicine, and faster emergency response, particularly in communities where access to reliable communication has long been a challenge.
Globally, direct-to-cell satellite services have already begun gaining traction.
Mobile operators in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, Chile, Peru, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom have started adopting similar systems to extend mobile coverage beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure.
With the launch of satellite-to-phone technology, the Philippines joins this growing group of countries exploring space-based solutions to close connectivity gaps.
The DICT said it will continue coordinating with telecommunications providers and technology partners to ensure that regulatory, technical, and consumer protection frameworks are in place as the service moves closer to full deployment.
Officials emphasized that while the technology is not intended to replace existing cellular networks, it is expected to complement them by providing coverage where towers cannot be built or are temporarily disabled.
The DICT said further details on commercial availability, pricing, and service limitations will be announced as testing progresses.
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