UPDATE Lynk Global announced this week it is targeting December to launch the world’s first base station in space to transmit 5G to Earth’s smartphone users, reported My Broadband. The company received the first satellite-direct-to-phone commercial license from the FCC, Inside Towers reported. Lynk has also secured a patent to connect to existing standard 5G devices in 55 terrestrial countries.
Lynk Chief Commercial Officer Dan Dooley issued a statement on Monday, saying the company is testing its satellite-direct-to-phone services in 12 countries on five continents. He added that the company is “years ahead” of everyone else in allowing mobile network operators to extend their cellular networks to 100 percent of their geographic territories.
My Broadband reported that Lynk’s competitor Starlink will begin offering cellular connectivity to T-Mobile customers in the U.S. in 2024. However, Starlink has yet to receive approval from the FCC. Another provider, AST SpaceMobile, has partnered with Vodafone to launch a satellite-based mobile network. Testing will begin with Vodafone’s subsidiary in Africa, Vodacom, including trials in 49 countries, utilizing radio frequency spectrum not fully realized in rural areas.
Lynk’s satellite-to-phone service was already successfully tested across 6,000 devices in five countries last year, reported My Broadband. Funding for the project came from an “undisclosed” partner.
Reader Interactions