Connectivity Beyond Borders: Smart and Lynk Global Achieve Satellite Data Milestone in Catanduanes
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless subsidiary of PLDT Inc., has successfully completed a landmark Direct-to-Device (Sat2Phone) satellite test in Catanduanes. Partnering with global satellite firm Lynk Global, the pilot program demonstrates the ability to provide essential mobile services in remote areas where traditional cell towers cannot reach.
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| Smart and Lynk Successfully Test Direct-to-Device Satellite Service |
This breakthrough is a major step toward eliminating "dead zones" across the Philippine archipelago, ensuring that even the most isolated communities stay connected.
Successful Tests in Remote Marambong
The pilot was conducted in Barangay Marambong, Pandan, a remote area facing the Philippine Sea. Smart’s Network Strategy and Architecture team, alongside Lynk’s technical experts, achieved several critical milestones:
- Two-Way Messaging: Successful transmission of SMS between a phone in Catanduanes and Metro Manila, as well as local province-to-province messaging.
- Data Download: The first successful download of data via satellite directly to a standard mobile phone.
- Web Access: The teams successfully accessed Smart’s website and other online portals using the satellite link.
Strengthening Disaster Resilience
The timing of the test is particularly significant. Catanduanes was recently hit hard by Typhoons Tino and Uwan, which severely damaged local power and telecommunications infrastructure.
“Once commercially available, this direct-to-device service will enable us to respond quickly in emergency situations,” said Arvin L. Zalameda, Smart’s Head of Network Strategy and Architecture. “It ensures that Filipinos remain connected even when adverse conditions take down traditional ground-based networks.”
See Also: Smart Home WiFi Launches New 5G Postpaid Plans
Innovation for the "Last Mile"
PLDT Chief Operating Officer Menardo G. Jimenez emphasized that while Smart already covers 97% of the population, satellite technology is key to reaching the remaining "last-mile" communities. The partnership with Lynk Global was chosen specifically for its balance of advanced technology and cost-effectiveness.
By integrating satellite capabilities into its existing network, Smart is reinforcing its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and supporting the government’s national digital agenda.
Sat2Phone vs. Starlink: Understanding the Tech Difference
While both technologies use low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide connectivity, they serve very different purposes and require different hardware.
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| Sat2Phone vs. Starlink |
The Bottom Line: Starlink is designed to replace or augment home fiber internet with high speeds. In contrast, Smart’s Direct-to-Device technology acts as a "cell tower in space," ensuring that the phone already in your pocket can send a life-saving text or access basic info even in the middle of the ocean or a remote mountain top.