Globe signs MOU w/ AST SpaceMobile for space-based cellular broadband service

Globe has announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with AST SpaceMobile Inc. to implement a space-based cellular broadband service in the Philippines.

AST SpaceMobile Inc., a telecommunications company based in Midland, Texas, is building the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network for mobile phones. The MOU with Globe will allow it to expand its services across the Philippines using cutting-edge satellite technology.

Once launched, AST SpaceMobile will provide the first satellite broadband service directly to standard mobile phones in the country. Globe’s collaboration with AST SpaceMobile will enable its telecom services to cover areas beyond the reach of land-based cell towers.

The space-based cellular broadband service is being designed to offer voice, video, data, and internet access via 2G, 4G/LTE, and 5G signals. This will also come in handy in providing connectivity during times of crisis including disasters and emergencies.

“Globe has always been a pioneer in bringing first-to-market digital solutions to empower Filipinos. This collaboration is another step in Globe’s continuing initiatives to provide digital connectivity to remote rural communities as part of its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is our mission to enable inclusive economic growth and provide quality education and e-health even in remote and still unconnected rural communities,” said Gerhard Tan, Globe’s Network Strategy and Technology Enablement Director.

“Space-based broadband, otherwise known as Global Mobile Personal Communications Services, or GMPCS, is the new frontier in connectivity. We are proud to take the first step towards the adoption of this planned breakthrough technology that could address the need for reliable and practical mobile broadband connectivity, especially in geographically isolated and connectivity-challenged areas in the Philippines,” he said.

Globe said that its collaboration with AST SpaceMobile is part of its aggressive expansion to boost service across the country and deliver a #1stWorldNetwork, and is also in talks with several cutting-edge technology companies to find, assess and evaluate new emerging technologies to further improve its services.