Globe and Lynk to launch live pilot program for Sat2Phone service in remote PH areas

PT | Globe and Lynk to launch live pilot program for Sat2Phone service in remote PH areas | Globe has expanded its partnership with satellite-direct-to-phone (sat2phone) company Lynk, launching a live customer pilot program to assess the potential of satellite-direct-to-phone communication services in remote places in the Philippines.

The recent signing of the new agreement signifies a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity and communication access within the country, particularly in unserved and underserved areas. The collaboration began this month and will run until June 2025, with a live pilot trial launch anticipated within this year.

The program will utilize Lynk’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver SMS, IP messaging apps, and emergency alerts to target regions currently lacking traditional terrestrial network coverage. These regions include far-flung locations with existing Globe enterprise clients and government installations, as well as tourist destinations with limited or unreliable cellular coverage. 

Globe aims to pilot the service in Zambales, Pangasinan, Siargao, and Leyte.

“In line with our goal of empowering Filipinos through digital technology, we are looking for a solution to bring life-enabling connectivity to as many Filipinos as possible. Through this satellite-direct-to-phone service, we hope to provide access wherever our customers are, connecting the unconnected through disruptive technology,” said Gerhard Tan, Senior Director and Head of Network Strategy and Innovations.

In 2022, Globe signed a Non-Commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lynk to conduct Proof of Concept (PoC) testing for the Satellite-Direct-to-Phone (sat2phone) Service using low earth orbit satellites in signal-deprived areas of Bataan. This PoC was successfully completed on February 21, 2023.

During the onsite testing, Globe and Lynk successfully sent and received SMS notifications, transmitted messages outside the test location, and broadcast emergency alerts via a Low Earth Orbit satellite using standard mobile phones. The latency was within acceptable limits, and the overall results were promising.

As part of the collaboration, Globe and Lynk will also evaluate service viability in maritime routes, disaster zones, fishing grounds, and other areas that need improved connectivity through extended communication solutions.

The initiative will utilize typical mobile phones of customers participating in the pilot. Through data collected on customer behavior, Lynk can gain valuable insights they could use to design a commercially viable product that aligns with the deployment dynamics of satellite-direct-to-phone communication.

Globe continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering communications services to as many Filipinos as possible. By harnessing the power of satellite technology, Globe is poised to redefine connectivity and bring people closer together.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

PHOTO CAPTION: Globe and Lynk have partnered to launch a satellite-direct-to-phone service to cover remote areas in the Philippines. In photo: (L-R standing) Bryril Alvarez, Globe Solutions Architect; Innah Antoinette Perez, Globe Sr. Solutions Architect; Ralph Cabello, Lynk’s Technical Account Manager for Asia Pacific; Gerard Ortines, Globe Vice President for Network Services and CAPEX Management; and Gerhard Tan, Globe Senior Director and Head of Network Strategy and Innovations; (L-R seated), James Alderdice, Lynk Vice President for Asia Pacific, and Joel Agustin, Globe SVP and Head of Network Planning and Engineering

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ABOUT GLOBE

Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading full-service telecommunications company in the Philippines and publicly listed in the PSE with the stock symbol GLO. The company serves the telecommunications and technology needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connectivity, internet and managed services. It offers innovative digital solutions in the areas of fintech, healthtech, adtech, climate tech, shared services and venture capital. In 2019, Globe became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing to implement universal sustainability principles. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region.

ABOUT LYNK

Lynk is a patented, proven, and commercially-licensed satellite-direct-to-standard-mobile-phone system. Today, Lynk allows commercial subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk’s service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in at least 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries. Lynk is currently providing cell broadcast (emergency) alerts, and two-way SMS messaging, and intends to launch voice and mobile broadband services in the future. By partnering with Lynk, a mobile network operator opens the door to new revenue in untapped markets, gives subscribers peace of mind with ubiquitous connectivity, and provides a potential pathway to economic prosperity for billions. For more information, visit www.lynk.world.