Starlink’s Direct to Cell service is making its way to Southeast Asia, with the Philippines set to be the first country in the region to launch satellite-to-mobile connectivity. Globe Telecom has inked a deal with Starlink to introduce direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service in the Philippines in the coming months, making it the pioneer operator to offer this service not just in the Philippines but also across Southeast Asia, and the second carrier in Asia overall.
This service is tailored to function on standard LTE smartphones without the need for any hardware modifications, enabling users to connect directly to Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites in areas where traditional cellular coverage is unavailable. Globe Telecom anticipates that this technology will bridge the connectivity gap for underserved communities, including the approximately 4% of the Filipino population residing outside the reach of terrestrial mobile networks. Moreover, it will serve as a backup communication layer in instances where existing infrastructure is compromised or inaccessible, such as during natural calamities.
Globe’s president and CEO, Carl Cruz, lauded the partnership as a “historic step in our mission to build a digital inclusive nation,” emphasizing that extending mobile coverage through satellite technology will ensure that every Filipino has access to essential communication services.
Currently, Starlink operates a fleet of more than 650 Direct to Cell satellites and has connected over 12 million individuals in 22 countries at least once. The collaboration with Globe adds to a growing list of telecom alliances as SpaceX endeavors to expand its satellite cellular initiatives globally. Starlink has previously announced analogous Direct to Cell agreements with Virgin Media O2 in the U.K. and Airtel Africa, with launch timelines slated for this year.
In addition to these partnerships, Starlink is gearing up to conduct independent testing of its Direct to Cell service using its proprietary wireless spectrum obtained through a significant deal with EchoStar. Recent trademarks for “Starlink Mobile” hint at SpaceX’s potential launch of a standalone satellite cellular service without relying on traditional telecom operators.
As Globe concludes 2025 as the Philippines’ largest mobile operator by subscriber count, Starlink’s inaugural deployment of Direct to Cell technology in Southeast Asia could serve as a pivotal real-world assessment of satellite-powered mobile connectivity on a large scale.