President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday welcomed the partnership between Globe Telecom and Starlink as a major move to expand digital access nationwide, saying it will bring reliable connectivity to even the 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, called “Next Generation Connectivity: Every Filipino Connected,” shows a shared push to make digital services more accessible to all.
“This partnership of Globe and Starlink complements our efforts to digitalize government systems, innovate learning platforms, and support countryside development,” Marcos said, describing the tie-up as a key step toward a “more progressive, connected, and equitable” Philippines.”
He said stronger connectivity outside major cities can directly improve daily life by opening up more jobs, attracting investments, and making essential services easier to access.
“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 partnership will introduce Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (DTC) service in the Philippines, allowing smartphones to connect to satellites without extra hardware or special apps.
This means users can still send messages and access basic data in areas without cell towers, Marcos said, pointing to its value during natural disasters when regular networks may go down.
“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, citing its importance during typhoons and other emergencies.
Marcos said the initiative supports existing government efforts to improve 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 goes beyond faster internet, supporting education, small businesses, 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 acknowledged 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 like this support the vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” where digital access is treated as a right, not a privilege.
Developed by SpaceX’s Starlink division, DTC allows regular LTE smartphones to connect directly to low-Earth orbit satellites, expanding mobile coverage to underserved areas such as mountains, islands, and remote rural communities.
RTVM PHOTO