Smart Communications, Lynk link up Catanduanes via direct-to-device satellite pilot

Smart and Lynk have successfully tested Direct-to-Device satellite service in the island of Catanduanes, showing the tech's potential in providing mobile services even in areas where cell services are unavailable.

Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT)'s wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) and its technology partner Lynk Global have successfully tested Direct-to-Device satellite service in the island of Catanduanes in the Bicol region, demonstrating the technology's potential in providing mobile services even in areas where cell services are unavailable.

"Our investments in technologies that strengthen and expand our network all reflect our core mission to connect last-mile communities, empower them to participate in the digital economy and ensure that no Filipino is left behind," said PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo G. Jimenez.

"With 97 percent of the population already covered by our cellular network, it is important that we evaluate our satellite partners on the basis of not just their technology but also cost effectiveness. Our partnership with Lynk Global delivers both," Jimenez added.

The tests, conducted by Smart's Network Strategy and Architecture Team with Lynk's technical team in the remote barangay of Marambong in the Municipality of Pandan directly facing the Philippine Sea, involved the successful transmission via Lynk satellite of text messages between a phone in Catanduanes and a phone in Metro Manila, as well as between two phones located within Catanduanes province. During the test, the teams were also able to access Smart's website, demonstrating Lynk satellite's light data capabilities, which will continue to evolve toward full data service.

This milestone follows the successful signing of a Master Services Agreement between Smart and Lynk last October, which formalized the partnership between the two companies.

"Smart and Lynk will continue to conduct these tests as Lynk's technology matures, more Lynk satellites are deployed, and service availability significantly improves," said Radames Zalameda, Head of the Network Strategy and Transformation Office at Smart.

“This year, we are also pushing for extensive tests across more areas and diverse use cases, including maritime routes, as we gear up for a commercial launch next year,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, First Vice President at Smart.

An island located more than 360 kilometers southeast of Manila, Catanduanes still has many unserved areas due to its challenging topography, making it extra difficult to rollout telco infrastructure, among other factors. Recently, the island was also severely impacted by typhoons Tino and Uwan, which caused significant damage to power and telco infrastructure, and left residents without service for an extended period.

"Once commercially available, Smart's direct-to-device service, enabled by Lynk’s fully deployed satellites, will enable us to respond quickly in emergency situations, ensuring affected Filipinos remain connected via satellite despite adverse conditions," Zalameda added.
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Smart’s push to lead in next-generation technologies reflects the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to building a safer, more connected, and more resilient digital nation. These efforts, anchored on innovation and public service, support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and advance the Group’s contribution to the national digital agenda and the country’s overall disaster preparedness and resilience framework.