If you’ve ever traveled outside the metro, which I’m sure you have, then you’ve probably encountered the problem at least once of not being able to text, call, or use your data because there’s no signal in rural areas.
Previously, the only solution was to wait for a telco to build a cell site in your area, but waiting for one can take years, even decades, depending on how populous your area is or how effective your provincial or local government is.
Soon, that will be a thing of the past as Globe and Starlink have forged an agreement to allow Globe users to directly connect to Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit satellites (LEOs) for calls, texts, and data connectivity at LTE speeds.
The technology, aptly called Direct-to-Cell, aims to provide connectivity in areas that have long been plagued with poor cell signal.
But this initiative isn’t just for everyday connectivity issues. It can also be used during natural disasters, which sometimes render cell towers unable to function. In those situations, Globe users can still send messages, call their loved ones, or post pictures on social media to raise awareness.
DICT says that while Direct-to-Cell technology has already been used in countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, and Japan, the Philippines is actually the first in Southeast Asia to harness this kind of technology.
Can we use it already?
No, not yet. According to DICT, pilot testing will begin in the first half of this year and will mainly be concentrated on islands, mountainous areas, and disaster-prone locations. If the tests prove successful, commercial rollout will follow.
Will everybody be able to use it?
If you’re talking about hardware, then yes. Any phone with LTE capability will be able to use the service. However, the Direct-to-Cell service will be limited to Globe users.
To be clear, this isn’t the first time that telcos have partnered with satellite providers in a move to broaden connectivity even in remote areas. Just October last year, Smart and Lynk Global partnered to test satellite SMS in Catanduanes, although there’s still no news on when Smart will roll it out on a broader scale.
If that’s the case, then how is Globe’s partnership with Starlink the first in Southeast Asia? DICT recognizes the Globe x Starlink partnership as the first because of its broader commercial appeal. Instead of just offering satellite SMS capability, Globe will offer SMS, voice, and data.
Another factor is Starlink’s sheer number of available satellites, which can be tapped regardless of where you are in the country. On the contrary, Lynk Global employs a few specific satellite passes that occur only a few times a day.
Final Thoughts
There’s no news yet on pricing, but Globe has already assured the public that the service will be priced affordably to support low-income families in remote areas.
As for the timeline, there’s no telling when Globe will roll out the program to the public or if it will even succeed, but seeing as Smart already succeeded in its testing with Lynk Global, there’s a good chance that Globe’s Direct-to-Cell program will also come into fruition.