#Globe has broadened its alliance with #Lynk a satellite-direct-to-phone (sat2phone) company, by initiating a live customer pilot program. This program aims to evaluate the feasibility of sat2phone communication services in the Philippines’ remote regions.
The recent contract signing marks a significant stride towards improving connectivity and communication access across the country, especially in areas that are currently underserved. The partnership, which commenced this month, is set to continue until June 2025, with a live pilot trial expected to launch within the year.
The program will leverage Lynk’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to provide SMS, IP messaging apps, and emergency alerts to targeted areas lacking conventional terrestrial network coverage. These areas encompass remote locations with existing Globe enterprise clients and government installations, as well as tourist hotspots with limited or unreliable cellular coverage.
Globe plans to test the service in Zambales, Pangasinan, Siargao, and Leyte.
Gerhard Tan, Senior Director and Head of Network Strategy and Innovations, stated, “In our quest to empower Filipinos through digital technology, we are seeking a solution to extend life-enabling connectivity to as many Filipinos as possible. Through this sat2phone service, we aim to provide access wherever our customers may be, connecting the unconnected through innovative technology.”
In 2022, Globe signed a Non-Commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lynk to conduct a Proof of Concept (PoC) test for the sat2phone Service using low earth orbit satellites in Bataan’s signal-deprived areas. 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.
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| 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 |
As part of the collaboration, Globe and Lynk will also assess service viability in maritime routes, disaster zones, fishing grounds, and other areas that require improved connectivity through extended communication solutions.
The initiative will use regular mobile phones of customers participating in the pilot. The data collected on customer behavior will provide Lynk with valuable insights to design a commercially viable product that aligns with the deployment dynamics of sat2phone communication.
Globe continues to strengthen its commitment to delivering communication services to as many Filipinos as possible. By harnessing the power of satellite technology, Globe is set to revolutionize connectivity and bring people closer together.
To learn more about Globe, visit their website.
FAQs
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What is the Globe and Lynk partnership about? Globe has partnered with Lynk to launch a live customer pilot program that aims to assess the potential of satellite-direct-to-phone communication services in remote places in the Philippines.
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What is the duration of the pilot program? The collaboration began this month and will run until June 2025, with a live pilot trial launch anticipated within this year.
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What areas will the pilot program cover? The program will cover remote 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.
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What services will the program provide? The program will utilize Lynk’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver SMS, IP messaging apps, and emergency alerts to target regions.
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How can I learn more about Globe? You can visit the Globe website to learn more about their services and initiatives.