Globe and Lynk to Launch Live Pilot Program for Sat2Phone Service in Remote PH Areas
(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
Globe has expanded its partnership with satellite-direct-to-phone (sat2phone) company Lynk Global, the world’s leading satellite-direct-to-standard-phone service provider, 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 service agreement signifies a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity and communication access within the country, particularly in unserved and underserved areas. The collaboration begins this month with a live pilot trial launch anticipated within this year.
The program will utilize 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. 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--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.
“We are delighted to bring Lynk’s transformational sat2phone service to the Philippines with Globe as our partner. 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,” said James Alderdice, VP, Asia-Pacific at Lynk.
As part of the collaboration, Globe also plans to 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, Globe will gain valuable insights for use in designing a commercially viable product that aligns with the deployment dynamics of sat2phone 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.