Globe Telecom has deployed satellite-to-mobile connectivity in parts of Southern Mindanao following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that affected several provinces in the region.
In partnership with Starlink, Globe activated the service in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani to support emergency communications and disaster response efforts after securing a demonstration permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.
The deployment marks the first use of Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile technology by Globe for disaster and emergency response operations in the Philippines.
According to the telecommunications provider, more than 700,000 Globe and TM subscribers in the affected areas are expected to benefit from the service, which will provide access to messaging through WhatsApp and SMS. The company said the service will be offered free of charge for up to 30 days while network restoration efforts continue.
Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Cruz said the initiative aims to help affected communities maintain communication during the recovery period and demonstrate the potential of satellite-to-mobile technology in strengthening network resilience during emergencies.
The earthquake, which struck Southern Mindanao, prompted tsunami warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and caused network disruptions in multiple provinces. Globe reported that telecommunications services in around 30 municipalities were affected due to widespread commercial power interruptions impacting network facilities.
The company said it continues to coordinate with local government units and electric cooperatives to restore services in the hardest-hit areas. Customers eligible for the satellite service will receive instructions on how to connect using their existing Globe SIM cards and LTE-enabled mobile phones.
The satellite deployment forms part of Globe’s broader disaster response and network recovery efforts across Mindanao.
