GLOBE Telecom Inc. is set to launch a live pilot trial to access the potential of satellite- direct-to-phone communications services in unserved and underserved areas in the country, within the year.
Through its expanded partnership with satellite-direct-to-phone (sat2phone) company Lynk Global, Globe said it will utilize low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver short messaging service (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.
The collaboration began this month and will run until June 2025, Globe said, with a target to launch the pilot service in Zambales, Pangasinan, Siargao and Leyte within the year.
“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, Globe head of network strategy and innovations.
In 2022, Globe signed a non-commercial memorandum of understanding with Lynk to conduct proof of concept (PoC) testing for the sat2phone service using LEO satellites in signal-deprived areas of Bataan. This PoC was successfully completed on February 21, 2023.
