Telecommunications company Lynk Global is set to launch a 5G cellular base station into orbit on 22 December, in what it claims is a first-of-its-kind test. While terrestrial cell towers generally provide a range of up to 25 miles on average, Lynk’s satellite-based technology would offer coverage from orbit, potentially filling gaps in cell service and eliminating the need for a separate satellite phone and subscription. Lynk will use the test to assess the viability of beaming 5G signals from space to standard 5G devices. The company has initially focused on 2G and 4G connectivity with the satellite it has deployed so far, and plans to ramp up production for a 5,000-satellite constellation in anticipation of 5G by 2026.
Lynk is not the only company exploring the potential of satellite direct-to-device technology, which some estimate could be the “largest opportunity in satcom’s history”. Satellite and space industry research firm Northern Sky Research (NSR) predicts that satellite direct-to-device subscribers could grow from almost zero in 2022 to 378 million by 2030. In August, SpaceX and T-Mobile announced a partnership to deliver satellite cellular service throughout the US, while Apple has partnered with satellite operator Globalstar to bring Emergency SOS via satellite to the iPhone 14.
So far, satellite direct-to-device services are generally limited to text messaging, but companies are working to expand them to include phone calls, email and basic web browsing. Chris Daehnick, senior solution leader and associate partner at McKinsey, believes the technology is “ready” and that costs can be reduced while performance is increased to make the service useful. Lynk currently has patents in 55 countries and is testing its 2G and 4G satellite direct-to-phone services in 12 countries, including the Bahamas, Papua New Guinea, Mongolia and Ghana. The company aims to offer commercial service before the end of the year and has already signed 19 commercial contracts with 19 different mobile network operators in around 40 countries, according to CEO Charles Miller.
Overall, it is clear that satellite direct-to-device technology has the potential to revolutionize connectivity and bring reliable service to even the most remote locations. As companies like Lynk Global continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with this technology, we may see a future where everyone has access to the same level of connectivity, no matter where they are in the world.
