Collaboration, not competition, will digitally connect PH

As satellite technology gains momentum worldwide and new providers eye opportunities in the Philippines, Globe Telecom is urging policymakers and industry players to look beyond the debate over whether satellites will replace traditional mobile networks.

For Globe, the future of connectivity is not about one technology prevailing over another, but about building an integrated ecosystem that combines multiple technologies to expand digital access and strengthen network resilience.

“No single technology can connect a nation,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz. “The challenge is ensuring every Filipino has access to reliable connectivity wherever they are. Mobile networks, fiber infrastructure, submarine cables, and satellite technologies all have a role to play in building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Philippines.”

Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom, underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to connectivity, stressing that “no single technology can connect a nation” as mobile, fiber, submarine cable, and satellite networks work together to expand digital access and strengthen connectivity across the Philippines. FILE PHOTO

As digital services become increasingly essential to daily life, connectivity has evolved into critical infrastructure supporting education, healthcare, financial services, government transactions, and emergency response.

For decades, mobile networks, fiber systems, and submarine cables have formed the backbone of the country’s digital economy, delivering the capacity and reliability needed by millions of consumers and businesses.

At the same time, satellite technology is creating new opportunities to extend connectivity to remote islands, geographically isolated communities, transportation corridors, and disaster-stricken areas where traditional network deployment remains challenging.

Rather than viewing satellite and terrestrial networks as competing platforms, Globe sees them as complementary technologies capable of working together to bridge connectivity gaps and improve service resilience.

This strategy is reflected in Globe’s efforts to develop a multi-network ecosystem that integrates mobile, fiber, wireless, submarine cable, and satellite technologies. The company has also partnered with Starlink to explore satellite-to-mobile capabilities that can extend connectivity beyond traditional cellular coverage and support emergency communications during disasters.

Globe has already deployed satellite-based connectivity solutions during emergency response operations in Mindanao, providing communications support while network restoration efforts were underway.

For an archipelagic nation like the Philippines, where geography remains a major barrier to universal connectivity, industry leaders see significant potential in combining multiple technologies to expand coverage and bring digital opportunities to underserved communities.

Globe said achieving nationwide digital inclusion will require technology-neutral policies that encourage innovation while ensuring all connectivity providers meet standards for reliability, security, consumer protection, and fair competition.

“The future is not satellite versus mobile,” Cruz said. “It’s about creating a seamless connectivity ecosystem where technologies work together to ensure every Filipino can participate fully in the digital economy.”