Globe deploys satellite-to-mobile service in Mindanao for disaster response

Globe has deployed satellite-to-mobile connectivity in parts of Southern Mindanao to support emergency communications following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that affected South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani.

The service, deployed in partnership with Starlink, will allow Globe and TM customers in affected areas to access messaging through WhatsApp and SMS using their existing Globe SIMs and LTE-enabled phones.

Globe said more than 700,000 Globe and TM customers are expected to benefit from the deployment, which will be offered for free for up to 30 days or until the company’s network is fully restored.

The rollout was made following the approval of Globe’s demo permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support our kababayans in Mindanao and we hope that through the demo permits previously issued by the NTC, this deployment will demonstrate how this technology really works,” said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe. “This initial deployment will show how satellite-to-mobile technology can provide communications support and strengthen network resilience during these times.”

According to Globe, this marks its first use of Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile technology for disaster and emergency response in the Philippines.

The earthquake also prompted the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to issue tsunami warnings for several coastal communities in Southern Mindanao.

Globe earlier reported network disruptions across multiple provinces, affecting around 30 municipalities, as commercial power interruptions impacted telecommunications facilities in several locations.

The company said it is working closely with local government units and electric cooperatives to fully restore services in badly hit areas.

Globe said it will directly inform customers in affected areas on how they can connect to the satellite service.