Virginia-based Lynk Global and Smart Communications are expanding their direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity tests to Northern Coastal municipalities of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte – areas facing the West Philippine Sea. Lynk has also filed with the FCC for permission to start testing its transmissions over the Czech Republic.

Burgos, as an example, has a population of just 11,000 (2024 census) and suffers poor local communications.

The expanded test activities mark a significant geographic extension of Smart and Lynk’s ongoing D2D pilot following earlier successful demonstrations in Catanduanes, and underscore the technology’s potential to provide critical connectivity to remote areas and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) across the Philippines. The latest trials were conducted by Smart’s Network Strategy and Architecture Team together with Lynk engineers and were joined by National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Region I Director Glenn Mercado and Engr. Rolly Albiosa, who observed the tests onsite.

During the field activities, the teams exchanged text messages between smartphones located in Ilocos Norte and Metro Manila. The team also successfully accessed key public information platforms, including the websites of Smart, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and PAGASA, highlighting the technology’s potential to support public safety, disaster response, and maritime connectivity.

These findings reinforce results from earlier tests conducted in Barangay Marambong in Pandan, Catanduanes, a remote coastal community facing the Pacific Ocean, where network rollout remains challenging due to terrain and distance. “Connecting every Filipino’ PLDT and Smart emphasized how satellite technology can meaningfully advance national efforts to bridge the digital divide. said Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT COO and Network Head. “The Philippines is an archipelago, and it can be challenging to reach many of our communities, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), with traditional towers.”

“Our partnership with Smart is among the most progressive in the region,” said Ramu Potarazu, Lynk CEO. “The Philippines’ geography makes it an ideal environment to prove the real-world value of satellite-direct-to-device technology. These tests show that meaningful, life-saving connectivity can be made available even in locations where traditional networks cannot reach. We look forward to continuing our work with Smart to bring this service to Filipino communities.”

As to the transmissions in the Czech Republic, Lynk is working with an – as yet – undisclosed mobile network operator in the country but local reports suggest it could be Vodafone.

Lynk, which has SES as an investor. has five small satellites in orbit and is in the process of merging with Omnispace – where SES also has an investment – and in the process create what the pair describe as a “comprehensive direct-to-device” connectivity solution.

Other posts by :

1. Inmarsat “likely to win appeal” over Ligado/AST action
2. FCC seeks fair play over foreign satellite access
3. Bank raises RocketLab target price
4. Paramount throws kitchen sink
5. Ukraine wants its own LEO system
6. SpaceX outlines Starlink cellular delivery plan
7. NAB vs CTIA on C-band release
8. Laser terminals to operate at 100x faster
9. Starlink success in Spain, but South Africa proves difficult

Categories: Articles, Broadband, Satellite

Tags: czech, lynk, phillipines, SES