In the wake of the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that rocked Southern Mindanao, Globe has activated satellite-to-mobile connectivity in some of the hardest-hit areas, providing a crucial communication lifeline to thousands of affected residents.
Working with Starlink, Globe deployed the service across South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani after securing approval from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The move represents the first use of satellite-to-mobile technology in the Philippines specifically for disaster and emergency response operations.
The emergency deployment is expected to benefit more than 700,000 Globe and TM subscribers in the affected provinces, allowing them to access SMS and WhatsApp messaging services despite disruptions to conventional telecommunications infrastructure. Globe will provide the service free of charge for up to 30 days as communities recover and network restoration efforts continue.
For many residents cut off by damaged infrastructure and widespread power interruptions, the service offers a vital means of contacting loved ones, receiving emergency updates, and coordinating relief efforts.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to support our kababayans in Mindanao,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz. “Through the demo permits previously issued by the NTC, this deployment allows us to demonstrate how satellite-to-mobile technology can strengthen communications support and improve network resilience during emergencies.”
The earthquake, which struck off the coast of Sarangani, prompted tsunami advisories in several coastal areas and disrupted telecommunications services in around 30 municipalities. Commercial power outages further affected network operations, leaving some communities with limited connectivity at a time when access to information was most critical.
Globe said customers in covered areas will receive direct notifications and instructions on how to connect to the satellite service using their existing Globe SIM cards and LTE-capable smartphones, making the technology accessible without the need for specialized devices.
The company is also coordinating closely with local government units, electric cooperatives, and emergency response partners to accelerate the restoration of its network infrastructure across the region.
As rescue, relief, and recovery efforts continue, Globe’s satellite-powered deployment highlights how next-generation connectivity solutions can play a key role in disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that communities remain connected even when traditional communication networks are compromised.