President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday welcomed the partnership between Globe Telecom and Starlink as a major step in expanding digital access nationwide, saying it will bring connectivity to the country’s most remote communities.
Speaking at the signing of the memorandum of agreement between Globe and Starlink at the Globe Tower in Taguig City, Marcos said the initiative, dubbed “Next Generation Connectivity: Every Filipino Connected,” reflects a shared commitment to digital inclusion.
“This partnership of Globe and Starlink complements our efforts to digitalize government systems, innovate learning platforms, and support countryside development,” Marcos said, calling the tie-up a significant step toward a “more progressive, connected, and equitable” Philippines.”
“Because when connectivity reaches the countryside, it generates jobs, attracts investments, and brings essential services closer to the people. As we pursue this vision, we acknowledge our private sector partners who share this responsibility,” he added.
The collaboration will roll out Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (DTC) service in the Philippines, enabling satellite-powered mobile connectivity on smartphones without additional hardware or special applications.
Users will be able to access messaging and basic data even in areas without cell sites, Marcos said, citing its importance during disasters when conventional networks may be disrupted.
“From the very beginning of this administration, we have been very clear, the future of the Philippines must be and will be digital, and it must be inclusive,” he said.
“This service can mean the difference between isolation and connection, between uncertainty and reassurance,” he added, noting its value during typhoons and other emergencies.
Marcos said the initiative complements government programs to strengthen digital infrastructure, including the National Fiber Backbone and the Free Wi-Fi for All program, which provide internet access in schools, public spaces, and government offices.
He stressed that digital inclusion is essential not only for connectivity but also for education, business, and countryside development.
“After all, we are shaping a nation where opportunity reaches every island, every barangay, and every family. What Globe and Starlink are doing today brings us closer to that goal,” Marcos said.
Marcos also recognized Globe’s long-standing role in the country’s digital sector and thanked Starlink and SpaceX for bringing advanced satellite technology to the Philippines.
“Progress at its core must serve the people,” Marcos said. “It shows that when the government and private sector move with purpose and shared commitment, we broaden the possibilities for a more connected Philippines.”
He said innovations in connectivity support the vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” where digital access is a right, not a privilege.
Developed by SpaceX’s Starlink division, DTC allows unmodified LTE phones to connect directly to low-Earth orbit satellites, expanding mobile coverage to underserved areas such as mountainous regions, islands, and remote rural communities.
