Globe says no single technology can connect the Philippines as satellite services expand

As satellite connectivity gains momentum in the Philippines and globally, Globe Telecom said the future of connectivity should not be viewed as a competition between technologies, but as a collaborative effort to expand digital access for more Filipinos.

Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Cruz said mobile networks, fiber infrastructure, submarine cables, and satellite technologies each serve a critical role in building a more connected and resilient country.

“No single technology can connect a nation,” Cruz said.

“The challenge is not deciding which technology wins. The challenge is ensuring every Filipino has access to reliable connectivity wherever they are. Mobile networks, fiber infrastructure, submarine cables, and satellite technologies each have a role to play in building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Philippines.”

The statement comes as new satellite providers continue exploring opportunities in the country, prompting discussions about how emerging technologies could reshape the telecommunications landscape.

Globe said it supports technology-neutral policies that encourage innovation while maintaining standards for service reliability, security, consumer protection, and fair competition. The company emphasized that achieving universal connectivity will require cooperation among industry players, regulators, technology providers, and policymakers.

Connectivity has become increasingly important as more essential services move online, including education, healthcare, financial services, government transactions, and emergency response. Globe noted that reliable digital access has become critical infrastructure for modern society.

For decades, mobile networks, fiber infrastructure, and submarine cable systems have served as the backbone of the country’s digital ecosystem, providing the capacity and resilience needed to support millions of users nationwide.

At the same time, Globe said satellite technology presents new opportunities to reach geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas where traditional network deployment remains challenging. These include remote islands, transportation corridors, and communities affected by natural disasters.

Rather than treating satellite and terrestrial networks as competing technologies, Globe said both should work together as part of a broader connectivity ecosystem.

This strategy is reflected in Globe’s ongoing efforts to build a multi-network platform that combines mobile, fiber, wireless, submarine cable, and satellite technologies. The company also highlighted its partnership with Starlink, which includes satellite-to-mobile capabilities designed to extend connectivity beyond traditional cellular coverage and strengthen communications during emergencies.

Globe said it has already begun integrating satellite capabilities into its network ecosystem and recently deployed satellite-based connectivity solutions during emergency response operations in Mindanao while network restoration activities were underway.

For the telecommunications provider, the country’s geography makes a multi-technology approach particularly important in addressing connectivity gaps and improving network resilience.

“The future is not satellite versus mobile,” Globe said. “It is about building a seamless connectivity ecosystem where technologies work together to ensure every Filipino can stay connected and participate fully in an increasingly digital world.”