Telecommunications provider Globe Telecom Inc. has secured government approval to begin commercial operations of its satellite-based mobile service through its partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink.

In a statement, Globe said it was recently granted the green light by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to begin rolling out its direct-to-cell (DTC) service, called Globe Starlink.

As the country’s first commercially approved satellite-to-mobile service provider, Globe will leverage Starlink’s satellite constellation to extend connectivity to areas where traditional cell towers are unavailable.

Starlink, the satellite internet unit of Musk-led SpaceX, enables LTE phones to connect directly to its more than 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, providing access to voice, text, and data services.

With Globe Starlink, Globe aims to ensure that far-flung communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) can still access essential messaging apps and other services, as long as they have a clear view of the sky for their devices to connect.

Globe President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carl Cruz said this new era of connectivity affirms the company’s commitment to digital inclusion and accessibility, even in challenging conditions.

Earlier, the company deployed Globe Starlink in several provinces across Mindanao following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, benefiting more than 150,000 customers.

“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,” Cruz said.

“This milestone reinforces our commitment to uplift lives, support businesses, and keep the nation connected,” he added.

While not yet available for iOS devices, Globe Starlink can be accessed by Android users by registering their LTE devices to the service’s prepaid promos.

Last month, Cruz said the company would bank on innovative solutions like Globe Starlink to ensure strong engagement with its customers this year, especially at a time when demand for key services is slower due to elevated inflation.

Globe Chief Commercial Officer Darius Delgado said the affordability of the DTC service, which is available for as low as ₱99, ensures that it remains accessible to underserved communities.