Globe Telecom partnered with satellite phone company Lynk Global to launch a pilot programme to examine the use of satellite-direct-to-phone communication services to plug coverage gaps in the Philippines.
In a statement, Globe said the live pilot trial will commence sometime this year in Zambales, Pangasinan, Siargao, and Leyte.
These “far-flung” locations will be connected to by the pilot, to serve Globe enterprise customers, government arms and tourists in popular tourist destinations with unreliable coverage.
The programme will tap into Lynk’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver SMS, IP messaging apps and emergency alerts to areas that lack terrestrial network coverage.
“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 Globe Telecom, Senior Director and Head of Network Strategy and Innovations, Gerhard Tan.