Canadian mobile network provider Rogers has partnered with Lynk to offer its customers direct satellite-phone connections across the country. Lynk aims to provide a universal SMS service to help people who are off the grid or need emergency assistance, even in areas where there is no signal due to natural disasters or power outages. The company has been striking deals with carriers worldwide, and its SMS service has been tested in the middle of nowhere. Lynk’s goal is to provide its services to everyone, but every satellite cellular station still needs to operate through a licensed carrier, and technical limitations may exist in different countries.
AST SpaceMobile, which launched its first test satellite, has demonstrated the first satellite-to-phone voice call using a regular cell phone. The call was made by typing the number into the Samsung dial app on the Galaxy S22, just like any regular phone call. The call was connected directly to the satellite for both send and receive two-way communications without any other intermediary, and the other end of the call in Japan was received via the normal terrestrial communications network. AST SpaceMobile plans to provide “2G, 3G, 4G LTE and 5G” coverage from space, but currently only 2G is available. Apple’s emergency SOS service and T-Mobile’s partnership with SpaceX to provide a Starlink data connection to its customers are other examples of satellite communication.
Satellite-to-phone connectivity is becoming more accessible, and companies are vying to be the first to offer a compelling satellite service. The idea of connecting a stock smartphone to a satellite was once thought impossible, but companies are now jostling for position as satellite services are expected to become a standard offering on mobile plans and phone models over the next few years. AST SpaceMobile has demonstrated the capability of connecting a regular phone to something in low Earth orbit, and scaling is the next challenge it faces. With Lynk’s universal SMS service and AST SpaceMobile’s satellite-to-phone voice call, the race to connect everyone to satellite services is heating up.