Starlink x Globe Direct-to-Cell: What it is and when it launches in the Philippines

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recently announced that the Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to adopt Direct-to-Cell technology.

File photo: Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., while delivering his speech at the Memorandum of Agreement signing between Globe and Starlink

According to DICT, the nation is now ready for this innovation, which requires no new devices or special apps, making it simple and accessible for everyone.

What is Direct-to-Cell?

DICT explains that it is a technology that allows regular mobile phones to connect directly to satellites in space without needing ground-based cell towers. All you need is a 4G-ready smartphone.

It is to address the problem in remote areas like islands and mountains with no cell towers or where building towers is expensive or impossible.

Satellites are the solution as they cover these areas from space, as long as there is a clear line of sight. No towers are needed.

To recap, Starlink, Globe, and the DICT have joined forces with the goal of connecting rural and underserved areas that have long waited for reliable internet.

Through this partnership, citizens will gain easier access to government services via the eGov app, allowing them to transact online without the need to travel far. It also aims to keep families connected across islands, especially during emergencies and severe weather, while supporting farmers and countryside communities by opening access to markets, digital tools, and financial services.

Starlink's satellite technology may also serve as a resilient backup system during disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, or infrastructure breakdowns, ensuring lifesaving connectivity for emergency responders and affected families.

How does it work?

Once outside the range of regular cell sites, a dedicated Globe Starlink signal bar will appear as long as there's a clear line of sight to the sky. This means that Globe's coverage will extend nationwide once implemented, delivering near-total connectivity through direct-to-cell, direct-to-device technology.

When it launches and how much?

While the Philippines is now ready for this very exciting tech, it doesn't automatically mean that the service has rolled out already.

But it is coming very soon.

Originally, the service was expected to launch in March.

But in a question answered by Globe executives at the  Globe FY 2025 Financial Media Briefing, the telco giant told team GIZGUIDE that the Direct-to-Cell technology will formally roll out in early Q2 2026, likely in April.

The pricing? There is no actual pricing yet as Globe is still doing its studies.

They also earlier promised that it would be "extremely affordable" compared to existing satellite services.

Globe said that they will not earn from this initiative.

Source: DICT