Lynk Global, a satellite-to-phone (sat2phone) telecoms provider, and Vodafone Kiribati, a leading mobile operator in Kiribati, have announced the start of initial satellite direct-to-mobile phone services to subscribers using what Lynk calls its “cell-towers-in-space” system.
Kiribati is an island country in Micronesia in the central Pacific Ocean. Its population was estimated at 131,232 in 2022.
Vodafone Kiribati explains that, over the years, it has made significant investments in expanding its network coverage across the islands of the country. The deployment of both 3G and 4G towers has enhanced connectivity and played a crucial role in improving communication and internet services for both urban and remote areas.
Now the partnership with Lynk will allows Vodafone Kiribati to extend its geographic mobile coverage with the eventual aim of expanding this coverage to the entire nation, bringing 21st-century connectivity to all corners of Kiribati.
The mobile operator describes Lynk as a ‘must-have service’ that not only enhances communication but also has the potential to save lives. With extended mobile coverage, it says, individuals can access emergency services, stay connected with loved ones, and receive vital information, regardless of their location.
Lynk, which allows commercial subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices, has regulatory approvals in at least 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries.
Lynk is currently providing cell broadcast (emergency) alerts and two-way SMS messaging. It intends to launch voice and mobile broadband services in the future.