Lynk Demos Global Satellite Connection for Phones - Commercial Launch Soon

Revolutionary Satellite Network Promises Global Connectivity

The issue of dropped calls and areas with “no signal” may soon be a thing of the past thanks to Lynk’s innovative satellite network. This system enables contemporary mobile phones to directly communicate with a satellite positioned overhead, without requiring any specialized antenna or chip.

Demonstration and Initial Partnerships

The company recently showcased a successful two-way data link and revealed its initial network collaborations in Africa and the Bahamas. If development continues favorably, universal signal access could become a reality in the near future.

Lynk, previously operating as Ubiquitilink, has dedicated years to achieving this milestone, guided by Charles Miller, the former founder of Nanoracks. The company publicly unveiled its progress in early 2019, explaining its launch of several test satellites to validate the concept of standard phone-to-satellite communication in low Earth orbit.

Overcoming Technical Challenges

Initial trials successfully addressed challenges like noise interference and the Doppler effect, factors that initially led some experts to deem the project unfeasible. In 2020, Lynk achieved another breakthrough by transmitting the first standard SMS message directly from a satellite to a conventional mobile phone.

Emergency Communication Capabilities

This capability alone would be a significant asset for governments and network providers. In emergency scenarios, such as following natural disasters or power outages, conventional mobile networks often become unreliable for delivering crucial information to affected areas.

Lynk demonstrated the potential to broadcast vital messages – like evacuation orders or shelter-in-place instructions – to an entire city via satellite, and this may represent a key application of the technology.

Two-Way Communication Achieved

However, it was only recently that the company demonstrated a two-way communication link between a phone and a satellite – its fifth, named “Shannon”. This allows users on the ground, without any special equipment, to both send and receive data when a Lynk satellite is within range.

While the data capacity is currently limited, it’s sufficient for sending SMS messages, GPS coordinates, or weather updates. (Increased data rates are anticipated as the satellite constellation expands.)

A Groundbreaking Advancement

“We have consistently proven the two-way call flow necessary for a phone to connect to our cell tower in space,” stated Miller in a press release. “This process involves multiple uplink and downlink signaling instances, including a device’s request for channel access, followed by authentication and location updates. We’ve successfully completed this with hundreds of phones in the UK, the Bahamas, and the US – a feat never before accomplished with a satellite cell tower.”

Describing it as a “game changer” would be an understatement. With the deployment of additional satellites, Lynk could provide signal coverage to a substantial portion of the globe – a limited and intermittent signal, admittedly, but a significant improvement over complete lack of connectivity, especially in remote locations or during emergencies.

Image Credits: Lynk

Peace of Mind and Emergency Services

“The ability to send a text message, at any time and from any location, is fundamental to safety. Being able to reach out to a friend, family member, or neighbor can be life-saving,” Miller explained. “Individuals may not even realize they need it, but their loved ones will appreciate the peace of mind it provides.”

The initial focus, he emphasized, is to make emergency services accessible to as many people as possible. While direct 911 calls may not yet be supported, sending an SOS message with basic information and coordinates is feasible, and he aims to offer this service at no cost or minimal charge, though this is not entirely within their control.

Seamless Integration with Existing Phones

Standard messaging will function similarly to current cellular service: messages can be sent immediately when a satellite is overhead, or queued for transmission when a signal becomes available.

The company intends to release a free demonstration application that delivers location-based weather reports globally, regardless of connectivity. Miller also expressed willingness to collaborate with phone and app developers to integrate the technology into their operating systems or services.

Remarkably, accessing the service will require minimal changes for consumers. When a satellite is available, it will connect to your phone just like any other cell tower, as it essentially functions as one in orbit.

Your phone continuously scans for available networks, and this process will include Lynk’s satellites. Authorization will be required, facilitated by an app and agreements with network providers.

Initial Deployments in Underserved Regions

Lynk is initially partnering with Aliv in the Bahamas and Telecel Centrafrique in the Central African Republic. Miller stated that they are in discussions with networks in numerous countries, including the U.S., but these initial deployments represent a crucial first step, particularly for regions with limited connectivity.

Rural central Africa and remote islands in the Bahamas may differ significantly, but they share a common characteristic: large areas with unreliable signal coverage.

Pricing and Business Model

The pricing structure will be determined by the carriers, with Lynk receiving a share of the revenue. “People will pay a reasonable price per message. If carriers can charge 5, 10, or 20 cents per message initially, they can decide, and people will pay for it,” Miller noted. As the service becomes more widespread and cost-effective, prices are expected to decrease.

Privacy Considerations

Addressing potential privacy concerns, Miller emphasized that Lynk has no interest in collecting customer data. “You are our customer, not our product. We are not interested – it would be very dangerous,” he stated. He added that, with the exception of 911 calls or SOS messages requiring location information, they are deliberately designing the system to avoid privacy conflicts.

Future Outlook

The company is currently engaged in discussions with numerous network operators worldwide, but regulatory and market challenges remain in certain areas, such as the U.S., where the FCC will need to provide its assessment. However, Miller is confident that Lynk is poised to become a vital component of the global communications infrastructure.

“The smartphone in your pocket is a powerful tool, enhancing your capabilities as a human being,” Miller concluded. “But that power is diminished when you lack connectivity. We solve that problem.”