Benise Balaoing

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his statement on his State Visit to India and answers questions on pressing issues during the Kapihan with the Media at the Taj West End in Bengaluru, India, on August 8, 2025, before returning to the Philippines.  Noel Pabalate, PPA pool

Article (news)

MARCOS

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768550865060615761840_1394781056030480_4306948250120147967_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Globe, Starlink to offer direct-to-cell service allowing LTE phones to have a connection even in areas without a cell site. This is the first of its kind service in Southeast Asia. DICT Sec. Henry Aguda says the new partnership now makes Philippines 100 percent connected online. Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored that digital inclusion is a &quot;key priority&quot; of his administration, as he touted the partnership between Globe Telecom and satellite internet provider Starlink that will provide satellite-powered mobile connectivity in the Philippines.</p><p>Marcos Jr. witnessed on Friday, January 16, the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement between the two companies to bring Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (DTC) satellite service in the country – the first in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia.  </p><p>In his speech, Marcos noted that the collaboration is a “shared commitment to bringing connectivity to even the farthest communities in our archipelago”.</p><p>The Chief Executive also noted that the partnership “complements our efforts to digitalize government systems, innovate learning platforms, and support countryside development.”</p><p>“Because when connectivity reaches the countryside, it generates jobs, attracts investments, and brings essential services closer to the people,” he stated.</p><p>Marcos Jr. also became candid in his speech with his piqued interest in the initiative.</p><p>“I was asking where we’re sitting at the table listening, what do I have to do to be part of this system? Turns out, nothing...the phones that we have in our pockets right now will be able to avail of that service once there is no cell site,” he said.</p><p>“I don’t know how much of – how nerdy the people are in this company. I’m sure many of them are. But I’m geeking out on this stuff. I mean, it’s just amazing.”</p><p>Globe Telecom said the satellite-to-mobile service works with standard LTE phones, thus serving the underserved communities and the remaining 4 percent of the Filipino population who live in areas without any terrestrial coverage.</p><p>“Communities in rural and maritime areas will gain more reliable access to mobile connectivity, supporting communication and digital inclusion,” it said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>DISASTERS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Marcos Jr. also recognized the benefit of such connectivity during catastrophes.</p><p>“During typhoons and disasters, there seems like a natural use for this system. When cell towers can fail and networks can go silent—this service can mean the difference between isolation and connection, between uncertainty and reassurance,&quot; he stated.</p><p>The President added that his administration continues to “push forward” with initiatives to strengthen digital infrastructure, such as laying foundations for a more stable and secure network through the National Fiber Backbone and expanding internet access in schools and public spaces under the Free Wi-Fi for All Program.</p><p>“We are also intensifying our efforts to connect Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas—communities that have waited for years, even decades, for basic connectivity,” he said. </p><p>Globe Telecom noted that by leveraging Starlink’s constellation of over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, it will help “address mobile coverage gaps across geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs)”, providing access to digital government services through the eGov app.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HRBC629xELE?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored that digital inclusion is a ‘key priority’ of his administration, as he touted the Globe-Starlink partnership that will provide satellite-powered mobile connectivity in the Philippines.</p>

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored that digital inclusion is a ‘key priority’ of his administration, as he touted the Globe-Starlink partnership that will provide satellite-powered mobile connectivity in the Philippines.

Globe-Starlink partnership complements gov’t efforts in digital inclusion: Marcos Jr.

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Globe-Starlink partnership complements gov’t efforts in digital inclusion: Marcos Jr.

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 16, 2026 04:09 PM PHT

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satellite-powered mobile connectivity

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