Lynk Global is a satellite telecommunications provider focused on direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. As a "cell tower in space" company, Lynk builds, launches, and operates a satellite constellation that aims to provide mobile phone service coverage to standard, unmodified mobile devices, especially in rural and underserved areas. They partner with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to expand coverage and offer services like SMS messaging and emergency alerts, with plans to launch voice and mobile broadband services. Key partners include SES, Intelsat, and various MNOs across the globe.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Lynk is building, launching, and operating a constellation of LEO satellites called Lynk the World (USASAT-NGSO-10) that function as cell towers in space.
The proposed FCC framework would establish ground rules for SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, Lynk Global, and other satellite companies seeking permission to provide direct-to-device services using spectrum from terrestrial mobile partners.
Lynk Global CEO Charles Miller supports the proposed FCC framework as a path for Lynk to acquire landing rights in the United States via a mobile network operator.
Lynk Global is seeking funds to deploy 1,000 satellites by 2025.
Lynk provides satellite-based 0.002 kg/0.004 kg radio cell towers that enable messaging with existing GSM or LTE user equipment.
Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile are developing satellite constellations from scratch to enter the direct-to-device market.
Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile pursue a direct-to-cell strategy to provide smartphone connectivity via satellites.
Lynk is working on a ground station and regulatory milestones to launch initial messaging services from April.
SpaceX launched Lynk’s latest two satellites on 2023-01-03 using a deployer mechanism Lynk developed that can deploy six at a time.
Lynk Global is close to completing a Ka-band ground station in Hawaii to connect its growing constellation of small satellites to standard smartphones this spring.
Lynk Global invented and patented satellite-direct-to-standard-phone technology in 2017.
Lynk Global’s satellites are covered by the world’s first and only commercial satellite-direct-to-standard-phone license from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission received in September 2022.
Lynk Global has signed commercial agreements with 25 mobile network operators covering 41 countries.
Lynk Global began testing its satellite-direct-to-standard-phone technology in space in 2019.
Lynk Global demonstrated a new deployer system that supports launching multiple satellites at one time from the same ESPA-ring port.
Companies seeking to provide direct-to-smartphone services from low Earth orbit include Apple with Globalstar, SpaceX in partnership with T-Mobile, AST SpaceMobile, Lynk Global, and Sateliot.
Lynk Global expects to deploy 50 pizza-box-shaped satellites by the end of 2023 to reduce service gaps to between 30 and 45 minutes.
Lynk Global expects SpaceX to launch three more satellites before the end of 2022 to provide initial services.
Virginia-based Lynk Global has raised $27,000,000 for a constellation of dedicated low Earth orbit satellites to connect directly to unmodified phones.
Lynk plans to deploy more than 50 satellites before the end of 2023 to increase satellite revisit times to every 15–30 minutes.