Globe Telecom Inc. is targeting the completion of its Starlink-powered satellite service rollout to iPhones by yearend, an executive said.
In an interview, Globe VP Eric Tan said the telco is currently testing the service with Apple Inc., with connectivity expected to be enabled through an upcoming iOS software update rather than new hardware.
‘Our target rollout is the end of the year. We are already at the testing phase, so it’s really in collaboration with Apple to deploy it in their next iOS release,’ Tan told reporters.
Globe’s satellite service currently runs on compatible Android and iOS smartphones, covering about 70 percent of its addressable base.
Tan said extending support to iPhones-which account for an estimated 20 percent to 30 percent of that market-would lift coverage to roughly 90 percent.
He noted that demand has been climbing nearly two months after the service’s commercial launch.
‘We’re very happy with the take-up so far. So, as I mentioned, I think today we are on our seventh or eighth week in the market, and our paying customers continue to grow week-on-week.’ The company is also broadening satellite connectivity beyond the Philippines through reciprocal roaming arrangements with telcos partnered with Starlink. Tan said Globe is ready to launch a reciprocal roaming tie-up in Japan, while similar arrangements in the United States and Canada remain under testing, with a possible rollout by yearend.
The satellite update was among the developments Globe unveiled at The Blueprint, the company’s event series centered on connectivity that delivers greater convenience and personalized value.
‘Connectivity means different things at different moments for every customer. Sometimes it’s about being able to reach someone when it matters, while other times it’s about making everyday tasks easier or simply enjoying more of what they love,’ said KD Dizon, Globe chief marketing officer.
‘Our goal is to understand those moments and make the Globe experience work around them, strengthening the systems and applications customers use, making them more dependable and reliable.’
Among the announcements, Globe introduced Globe Circle, which rewards customers who rely on the telco for both mobile and home connectivity with added benefits and experiences. It also confirmed the return of 917 GDay 2026, its annual customer celebration.
The company unveiled fresh offers spanning roaming, home internet and digital lifestyle partnerships, including tie-ups with short-form entertainment platform ReelShort, fitness app Strava and Meta AI. It also launched Green GSM, an all-electric ride-hailing service using VinFast electric vehicles, giving customers a greener mobility option while opening earning opportunities for drivers.
Globe’s prepaid brand TM, meanwhile, marked its 25th anniversary with a year-long celebration featuring nationwide TeaM Fair caravans, culminating in the TeaM Fair Concert on September 12 with Dionela and SB19.