Globe Telecom Inc. said Tuesday it is integrating Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell capabilities into its infrastructure to eliminate connectivity “dead zones” across the Philippines.
The partnership, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, aims to provide mobile signals to the most remote and disaster-prone regions by utilizing low-earth orbit satellite technology.
Speaking at the Asian Telecom Summit 2026, Globe president and chief executive Carl Cruz said that connectivity in a nation of over 7,600 islands is a critical utility rather than a luxury. Cruz noted that the network must remain functional despite frequent exposure to typhoons, floods and earthquakes.
“In an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, exposed to typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and rapid urban growth, networks must perform reliably where and when people need them,” Cruz said.
The executive said the company’s strategy relies on a multi-network approach that combines mobile, fiber, fixed wireless and satellite solutions. The integration is designed to ensure that critical services remain accessible during emergencies.
Globe utilizes AI-driven monitoring and rapid-deployment tools like Network-in-a-Box and Cell-on-Wheels to maintain service quality for students and businesses.
