How to Get Fast Internet in Remote Areas in the Philippines
Did you know that 25% of Filipinos are still offline?
Living across an archipelago with over 7,000 islands makes getting reliable internet in the Philippines especially challenging.
I can well understand the frustration when you’re stuck with spotty connections that barely load a webpage. In recent years, Starlink in the Philippines has become a game-changer for almost all remote areas. With download speeds of 50-150 Mbps , setting up Starlink internet can transform how you work and connect online.
But what exactly is Starlink?
It’s a satellite-based internet service from SpaceX (Elon Musk’s company) that can deliver internet to almost any location with a clear view of the sky.
For those wondering about Starlink price Philippines or how to order Starlink in the Philippines, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re running a business from a distant province or just want reliable home internet, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting Starlink internet in the Philippines working for you.
Understanding Your Internet Needs in Remote Areas
Living in remote areas of the Philippines doesn’t mean giving up online opportunities. Before exploring solutions like Starlink in the Philippines, let’s first understand what you actually need.
What activities require fast internet?
Remote work has become essential in rural communities, requiring at least 20Mbps download and 5Mbps upload speeds per person for smooth operation. Modern farming also depends on real-time connectivity to oversee operations, manage finances, and respond to market conditions.
For families, various online activities demand different speeds:
- Video calls with family or colleagues: 10-20Mbps for clear connections
- Streaming movies (HD): 5-10Mbps, while 4K needs at least 25Mbps (But HD quality should be good enough unless you have a huge TV…)
- Online gaming: 15-25Mbps per gamer to avoid frustrating lag (Don’t play too many internet games, go out and enjoy the beautiful nature we have in the Philippines)
- Uploading large files: At least 10-20Mbps – not many people need to upload many files – but it can be critical for video calls.
Furthermore, access to telemedicine (online doctors are becoming more and more important these days…) and distance learning opportunities (learn Tagalog or Bisaya!) rely on stable connections.
How much speed do you really need?
A good goal is around 5 Mbps per person in your household. If you live with three people, 20Mbps is the minimum, and over 70 Mbps would be ideal. Keep in mind that in an average modern household, several devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, smart TVs, etc.) are always connected at the same time, which affects the overall performance.
Your actual needs depend on:
- Number of users sharing the connection
- Types of activities (video streaming requires much more than just checking emails)
- How many devices connect simultaneously
- Upload requirements (often overlooked but critical for video calls)
Challenges with traditional ISPs in rural Philippines
Almost half (45.5%) of all barangays nationwide are not served by any telecommunications provider1.
This digital divide exists because:
- First, Philippines’ geography with over 7,000 islands creates natural barriers. Mountains, dense forests, and ocean gaps make infrastructure development costly.
- Second, sparse population density makes it economically challenging for providers to invest in remote areas.
Consequently, Metro Manila households are seven times more likely to have internet access than those in BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao). - Third, the Philippines has regulatory barriers that limit competition. Until recently, investors needed a congressional franchise to manage internet infrastructure.
This has changed now: Konektadong Pinoy (Senate Bill No. 2699)2 will introduce: a simplified licensing process for building networks and offering Internet services.
Additionally, weather conditions like typhoons affect both installation and maintenance of internet infrastructure, creating reliability issues in some provinces.
Exploring Internet Options for Remote Locations
Remote Filipinos now have several connectivity options, each with unique advantages. Let’s explore what’s available beyond traditional wired connections.
Mobile data and signal boosters
For areas with weak cellular reception, signal boosters offer a practical solution. These devices capture existing weak signals and amplify them throughout your home or business. A typical booster system includes three main components: an external antenna that captures the signal, an amplifier that strengthens it, and an internal antenna that broadcasts the improved signal.
Despite common concerns, these boosters emit five times less radiation than mobile phones struggling in poor reception areas. Moreover, installation requires no special technical knowledge – simply mount the external antenna toward the nearest cell tower, connect the cables, and enjoy improved coverage. The problem is, that a good quality set of signal booster (booster, 2 indoor antennas, outdoor antenna…) are not cheap and they will not work in areas with no available cell signal.
Fixed wireless broadband
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) provides internet through cellular networks rather than physical cables. This technology has become increasingly popular in the Philippines, with approximately 4.3 million users at its peak.
DITO Home offers 5G postpaid plans starting at ₱990 for 200GB monthly data or ₱1,490 for unlimited data. Both come with a free 5G modem. Similarly, Globe launched AirFiber 5G with speeds up to 100Mbps and generous 2TB data allocations starting around ₱1,899 monthly.
Satellite internet: Starlink and others
Satellite internet shines in truly remote locations. Starlink, now available across all over the Philippines, offers download speeds between 25-100Mbps for a monthly fee of ₱3,800 (the price has increased since May 2025). The hardware costs ₱28,000 upfront. Be aware that there are many scammers offering Starlink internet (especially on Facebook). Always check the web address to make sure you’re visiting the original Starlink website. The following link takes you directly to Starlink Philippines and offers you (and me) one month of free internet access (when you order Starlink): Get one month free Starlink!
Other providers include Kacific, which offers affordable satellite internet with local support (although I believe it’s more aimed at businesses than homes), and Bambusat, which is specifically designed for island resorts, oil rigs, and rural schools.
Comparing costs and reliability
Each option has distinct advantages:
- Signal boosters: Lowest monthly cost but requires existing signal; performance varies with location
- Fixed wireless: Good middle ground; ₱990-1,899 monthly with decent speeds in covered areas
- Starlink: Highest reliability in remote locations; ₱3,800 monthly plus ₱28,000 for equipment
- Other satellite options: Bambusat charges a one-time terminal fee of ₱60,000 or offers free terminal with premium plans (5 -6k, but only 30GB per month). But I am not sure, if they still exists as their website (bambusat.com) is Offline long time already…
During heavy rains, satellite services may experience disruptions, nonetheless, they recover faster than traditional infrastructure. Interestingly, Starlink was successfully deployed to improve rural bank ATM connectivity in Sultan Kudarat that previously suffered frequent outages.
Getting Started with Starlink Internet
Ready to connect your remote property to high-speed internet? Setting up Starlink takes just minutes, unlike traditional installations that may require weeks of waiting (off course, you have to wait until the hardware arrives, after you ordered).
How to order Starlink in the Philippines
Ordering Starlink requires a credit card or local payment methods like GCash. I was able to use my Eu
ropean Mastercard without any problems, and the monthly fee is also debited regularly, even though I set up the Starlink account in my Filipino wife’s name.
Visit Starlink (link to get one month free…), enter your address to check the availability, then complete your purchase.
Starlink price Philippines: What to expect
As already stated, the hardware costs ₱28,000 for the Standard Kit or ₱14,000 for refurbished options (not always available). Monthly service currently runs at ₱3,800 (unlimited) for the Residential Plan, while the more flexible Roam plans cost ₱5,700 (unlimited).
Setting up Starlink internet: step-by-step
Setup is remarkably simple:
- Download the Starlink app on you Smartphone and use “Check for Obstructions” to find an ideal location.
- Mount the Satellite dish in an elevated location, like a roof, pole, or wall. The included standard stand is sufficient in most cases.
(Additional mounts and accessories are available for purchase on the Starlink Shop). - Plug your Starlink into power
- And now just wait: Within a few minutes, your dish will connect to the satellites above you (it will search for and find the best alignment fully automatically).
- Connect your devices to the Starlink WiFi network
Tips for maximizing signal and speed
Place your router in a central location on a flat surface, halfway up the room. Avoid interference from appliances, thick walls, or other WiFi networks. Use the app’s Advanced Speed Test to check your connection quality. For larger properties, consider Mesh nodes to extend coverage throughout your space.
Power and Maintenance Considerations
Keeping your Starlink powered in remote Philippine locations requires careful planning. The standard Starlink consumes 50–75 W when active and 20 W when idle. For an 8-hour workday, you need 400–600 Wh of power capacity (in case of power outages).
Powering Starlink off-grid: solar and battery options
Portable solar generators work well for off-grid Starlink setups. A 256Wh power station paired with a 45W solar panel can run Starlink for approximately 8 hours. For longer use, consider a Power Bank like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus.
Weather impact and how to prepare
Although rain affects service less than traditional satellite internet, heavy downpours might cause brief slowdowns. Prior to storms:
- Ensure cables are fully plugged in
- Secure your dish mounting
- Consider a surge protector
Maintaining stable performance over time
Set a quarterly reminder to inspect your system. Clear debris from the dish, check mounting hardware, and keep firmware updated. Also check surrounding plants and trees, as they are constantly growing. In areas where power outages are frequent, A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) with sufficient capacity can prevent connection interruptions during short power outages.
Conclusion
Connecting to reliable internet in remote Philippine areas isn’t just possible anymore – it’s becoming increasingly accessible. Throughout this guide, we’ve seen how technology bridges the digital divide across our 7,000+ islands. Signal boosters offer a solution if you already have weak cellular coverage. Fixed wireless broadband provides a solid middle-ground option with reasonable speeds at competitive prices.
Starlink, however, stands out as a true game-changer for the most isolated locations. You can now enjoy download speeds of 50-150 Mbps almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky. The upfront cost might seem steep at first, but many remote Filipinos find the reliable connection worth every peso spent. Setting up your dish takes just minutes instead of the weeks you might wait for traditional installations.
Power management remains crucial for truly off-grid setups. Solar generators paired with battery storage can keep you connected all day, even during brownouts or blackouts. Weather will occasionally affect your service, though much less than with older satellite technologies.
Most importantly, fast internet transforms life beyond mere convenience. Remote work becomes viable, farmers gain real-time market access, students connect to quality education, and families access telemedicine services. These technologies help our remote communities participate fully in the digital economy.
You deserve reliable internet regardless of where you live in our beautiful archipelago. The digital future belongs to all residents of the Philippines – not just those in urban centers. With these solutions at hand, you can finally join the connected world without relocating or compromising your remote lifestyle.
FAQs
Q1. What are the best internet options for remote areas in the Philippines?
The best options for remote areas include mobile data with signal boosters, fixed wireless broadband, and satellite internet services like Starlink. Satellite internet is particularly effective for very isolated locations, offering speeds of 50-150 Mbps almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
Q2. How much does Starlink cost in the Philippines?
Starlink’s hardware costs ₱28,000 for the Standard Kit or about ₱14,000 for refurbished options. The monthly service fee is ₱3,800 for the Residential Plan, while Roam plans cost ₱5,700.
Q3. How can I improve my internet speed in rural Philippines?
To improve internet speed, consider upgrading to a more powerful router, optimizing its placement, using a wired connection when possible, and limiting background applications. For areas with weak cellular signals, installing a signal booster can help amplify existing coverage.
Q4. Is Starlink easy to set up in remote locations?
Yes, Starlink is designed for easy setup. The process involves downloading the Starlink app to find an ideal location, plugging in the equipment, and waiting for the dish to connect to satellites. The entire setup can be completed in minutes without professional installation.
Q5. How can I power Starlink in off-grid locations?
For off-grid locations, you can power Starlink using solar panels and battery storage systems. For Starlink, you generally need 300 – 600W of solar panels and a 1000Wh to 2000Wh battery system. The exact size depends on your specific Starlink dish model, local sunlight, and how much power you consume, so consider using a portable solar power station for an all-in-one, simpler solution.
References
1 More Than 20 million Filipinos to Benefit from Improved Broadband Internet Connectivity
2 Konektadong Pinoy to Address Roadblocks, Enable Digital Transformation
Fruit Trees of the Philippines
Any Questions?
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