Globe Telecom Inc. is fast-tracking its testing of non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or satellite-powered mobile services, to close the connectivity divide in remote areas of the Philippines.
Through partnerships with global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite providers, Globe is trialing Direct-to-Cellular (D2C) or Satellite-to-Phone (Sat2Phone) technology, which allows ordinary mobile phones to connect directly to deployed satellites without requiring additional equipment.
The ongoing trials reflect Globe’s proactive effort to deliver next-generation connectivity to hard-to-reach areas, ensuring communities beyond the reach of traditional cell towers can stay connected. Globe sees NTN technology as a crucial tool for disaster response and emergency communications, where quick and reliable connectivity is vital.
Globe recently completed a live pilot trial with Lynk Global, a key step toward making satellite-powered mobile connectivity a reality for Filipinos. The test successfully demonstrated voice call functionality using Lynk’s satellite network, showing strong potential for broader deployment soon.
The telecom firm has achieved several milestones in this field, including the first satellite SMS and voice service trials in the Philippines and successful demonstrations of Sat2Phone capabilities. The current round of tests builds on these efforts, now using advanced NTN technology (3GPP Pre-release 17) to prepare for the future rollout of commercial satellite-to-phone services.
