Smart, Globe urged to accelerate D2C rollout to connect remote areas

MANILA, Philippines — The accelerated rollout of direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite would help rapidly close connectivity gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), where millions of Filipinos remain digitally disconnected, a consumer advocacy group said.

CitizenWatch Philippines said the technology offers a faster and more practical solution for underserved communities as the country continues expanding traditional telecommunications infrastructure such as cell towers and fiber optic networks.

D2C satellite technology allows regular 4G/LTE mobile phones to connect directly to low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites without requiring specialized satellite devices. Using the technology, users can send messages, make calls and access internet services even in areas with little or no existing mobile or broadband coverage.

Both Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are already testing D2C satellite technology in the country. Globe’s partnership with Starlink is reportedly in advanced stages, with commercial rollout potentially starting as early as June this year, signaling that satellite-to-mobile connectivity may soon become more widely available in underserved areas.

“Building connectivity infrastructure across an archipelagic country like the Philippines takes time, especially in remote islands and mountainous areas,” said Orlando Oxales, lead convenor of CitizenWatch. “D2C satellite technology can significantly accelerate connectivity in areas beyond the reach of traditional cell sites by enabling ordinary mobile phones to connect directly to satellite networks.”

CitizenWatch also noted that the quality and reliability of D2C satellite services will depend heavily on the scale of satellite deployment, particularly the number of LEO satellites available to support connectivity demand and network capacity.

“Providers with larger LEO satellite networks are naturally expected to deliver broader coverage and a better user experience, especially in geographically challenging areas,” Oxales said.

However, the group said many remote communities remain underserved due to the difficulty and cost of deploying conventional telecommunications infrastructure. Cell site construction can take months even after permits are secured, while laying fiber optic cables across isolated islands and mountainous areas remains costly and difficult.

According to CitizenWatch, the technology could significantly benefit communities in isolated islands, upland villages and disaster-prone areas by improving access to education, livelihoods, government services and emergency communications.

“Connectivity today is essential for economic participation, education, disaster response and public safety,” Oxales said. “This technology can help students access online learning, enable farmers and fisherfolk to connect to markets, and provide critical communication during calamities when ground-based networks are damaged.”