#globe

Globe has officially launched Starlink's satellite-to-mobile service in the Philippines after receiving approval from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), making it the first local telecom operator to commercially offer direct-to-device satellite connectivity in the country. According to Globe, the service works by allowing compatible LTE smartphones with an active Globe SIM to connect directly to Starlink satellites once they are outside Globe's terrestrial network coverage and have a clear view of the sky. Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers can access the service through a Globe Starlink promo starting at PHP 99, while Globe Platinum and Postpaid users with Plan 1499 and above can use it at no extra cost. Globe said the satellite service aims to help bridge communication gaps, especially in isolated communities and disaster-hit areas. Globe said the deployment helped restore emergency communications and benefited more than 150,000 customers. Among major telcos, Dito Telecommunity posted the highest VoLTE penetration at 41.9%, followed by Smart Communications at 31.7% and Globe Telecom at 27.4%. Ookla said older devices remain a challenge for Smart and Globe due to the size of their existing subscriber bases.   Key figures PH VoLTE penetration: 30.9% Global average: 57.7% Dito VoLTE penetration: 41.9% Smart VoLTE penetration: 31.7% Globe VoLTE penetration: 27.4% Estimated PH VoLTE penetration by 2027: 53.7% Read more in our articles including "Globe rolls out Starlink Satellite-to-Mobile Service in the Philippines" and "PH among slowest countries in shift away from 3G".