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Jun 30, 2026
Globe Telecom commercially launches Starlink D2D service in Philippines
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Globe Telecom announced on Monday it has officially launched Starlink’s direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service across the Philippines after receiving regulatory approval National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
The LEO sat-based D2D service currently only supports text messaging, chat and navigation apps, and requires a 4G handset to access it.
Globe customers also need to subscribe to the Globe Starlink service, although Globe Platinum and postpaid subscribers on Plan 1499 can use the service at no extra charge. For prepaid Globe and TM customers, prices start at PHP99 (roughly US$1.60).
The Starlink D2D service extends Globe’s mobile coverage to the 3% of the Filipino population it doesn’t already cover.
“This new satellite-to-mobile technology enhances digital inclusion and accessibility,” said Globe Ppesident and CEO Carl Cruz in a statement. “Given the NTC’s approval for commercial launch, Globe can now extend its reach beyond traditional towers, ensuring that even in the most remote or disaster-stricken areas, Filipinos remain connected.”
Globe illustrated the latter point earlier this month when it deployed Starlink’s D2D service on an emergency basis in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani following a deadly 7.8 earthquake off the coast of Mindanao. Globe said at the time it would offer the service for free to Globe and TM subscribers in the affected areas for up to 30 days.
The commercial launch comes six months after Globe signed an MOU with Starlink in January this year to resell its D2D satellite service.
Rival telco PLDT signed a deal to resell Starlink’s LEO satellite broadband service in the Philippines in August 2025. Converge ICT Solutions’ subsidiary Converge Singapore signed a similar deal in March 2025. Neither have signed agreements to offer Starlink’s D2D service.
That said, PLDT’s Smart Communications signed a partnership deal with D2D satellite firtm Lynk Global in October 2025. Globe Telecom has been trialling Lynk’s D2D service since October 2024. Smart and Globe have also been collaborating with D2D service provider AST Spacemobile under MoUs signed in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
