Smart collabs with Lynk Global to allow mobile communications even without signal

This enhancement will initially allow people to send SMS messages and use apps like WhatsApp even without cell service.

Courtesy: Smart

Improving connectivity in PH

Smart Communications and Lynk Global have teamed up to make mobile communications services accessible even in areas without signal.

According to the telco, the service will use satellites to directly connect to ordinary mobile phones (Direct to Device, or D2D) initially, allowing people to send and receive SMS messages and use mobile applications (WhatsApp) even when cell services are unavailable.

When the Lynk satellite D2D network is fully rolled out in the next few years, full mobile voice and data connectivity will be available.

This service will begin with basic text messaging and mobile applications over LTE, maintaining connection even during typhoons, earthquakes, and other emergencies.

This partnership represents the very core of our purpose as a telco: to improve the lives of Filipinos no matter where they are across the Philippines, said Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network.

Radames Zalameda, head of the Network Strategy and Transformation Office at Smart, said Smart and Lynk will run lab tests, set up roaming connections, and conduct field trials before a phased rollout.

We will begin by linking our core systems and move toward live field testing, using Smart's spectrum to reach farther areas and prioritizing coastal and mountain barangays and key maritime routes while ensuring that connections are secure, reliable, and stable, he added.

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