- Filipino telecom operator Globe has announced it will launch a direct-to-device satellite service in parts of rural Philippines, partnering with Lynk Global.
- Globe hopes to expand the service to other remote locations with existing Globe enterprise clients and government installations.
OUR TAKE
Globe’s expansion strategy underscores its commitment to technological innovation and social responsibility, positioning the telecommunications giant at the forefront of global efforts to achieve universal connectivity.
–Revel Cheng, BTW reporter
Globe will use Lynk’s growing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to ultimately deliver SMS, IP messaging apps and emergency alerts in the Philippines.
What happened
Globe will use Lynk‘s growing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to ultimately deliver SMS, IP messaging apps and emergency alerts to target regions currently lacking traditional terrestrial network coverage.
The collaboration begins this month with a live pilot trial launch anticipated by the end of the year but Globe hopes to expand the service to other remote locations with existing Globe enterprise clients and government installations, as well as tourist destinations with limited or unreliable cellular coverage.
“In line with our goal of empowering Filipinos through digital technology, we are looking for a solution to bring life-saving 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 at Globe.
James Alderdice, VP, Asia-Pacific at Lynk, added, “As a country with over 7,641 islands, Lynk’s ability to provide mobile coverage for mobile customers directly from our network of LEO satellites helps connect more people in more places.”
Also read: Elon Musk introduces Starlink satellite internet service in Indonesia
Also read: Unleashing connectivity: Starlink and Comcast’s joint satellite deal
Why it’s important
In 2022, Globe signed a Non-Commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lynk to conduct Proof of Concept (PoC) testing for the 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 utilise 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 sat2phone communication.
