Telecommunications provider Globe has activated Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile technology in parts of Mindanao following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that disrupted communications across South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani.
The deployment, launched under a demo permit granted by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), marks Globe’s first use of satellite-to-mobile connectivity for disaster response in the Philippines. The service is expected to benefit more than 700,000 Globe and TM subscribers in affected areas.
Using existing Globe SIM cards and LTE-enabled smartphones, customers will be able to access SMS and WhatsApp messaging through satellite connectivity. Globe said the service will be provided free of charge for up to 30 days while restoration efforts continue on its terrestrial network infrastructure.
The earthquake caused widespread commercial power outages that affected telecommunications facilities across approximately 30 municipalities. The disruption came after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued tsunami warnings for several coastal communities in Southern Mindanao.
Globe said the deployment demonstrates how satellite-to-mobile technology can enhance network resilience and provide emergency communications when traditional cellular infrastructure is compromised. The company is working with local government units and electric cooperatives to restore full network services in the affected areas.
The initiative highlights the growing role of satellite communications in disaster preparedness and emergency response, enabling mobile operators to maintain critical connectivity during natural disasters and large-scale network outages.
