GLOBE TELECOM, Inc. has partnered with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring its direct-to-cell satellite services within the Philippines, making the country the primary in Southeast Asia to supply the technology.
“By leveraging Starlink’s low earth orbit satellites, we are going to bridge coverage gaps in what we called geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, enabling Filipinos to access essential services,” Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Raymond R. Cruz said in the course of the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the partnership.
The technology is targeted to be commercially available by end March, Mr. Cruz said, adding that the corporate is working to lower the pricing of the services to make it more inclusive.
Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology connects users on to its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite, which provides text, voice, and data connectivity to users particularly in distant areas which lack coverage.
This landmark initiative is an element of the Ayala-led telecommunications company’s commitment to ramp up its investment in technologies to assist bridge the digital and connectivity gap within the Philippines.
At present, Globe said that it has achieved about 97% coverage within the country, and the balance 3%, that are considered underserved, can benefit from the brand new technology being offered.
Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda said the agency is confident that the brand new technology will spur growth of the digital economy as it will enhance connectivity within the country.
Starlink’s direct-to-cell service is a satellite-to-mobile wireless technology launched by its parent company Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX).
Although Globe is the primary telecommunications company within the country to bring Starlink’s direct-to-cell services, Starlink has also inked a partnership with Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., making it a licensed reseller of Starlink kits within the Philippines.
Starlink continues to expand its satellite network to supply high-speed broadband to rural and distant areas, in line with its website.— Ashley Erika O. Jose