PLDT’s wireless arm Smart Communications and direct-to-device (D2D) LEO satellite operator Lynk Global have successfully tested Lynk’s satellite network on the island of Catanduanes in the Philippines.
The trials were carried out by Smart’s network strategy and architecture team alongside Lynk’s technical team in the remote barangay of Marambong, in the Municipality of Pandan, directly facing the Philippine Sea.
During the tests, the teams used Lynk’s LEO satellites to transmit text messages between mobile phones in Catanduanes and Metro Manila, as well as between two phones within Catanduanes province. Smart said the teams were also able to access the operator’s website, demonstrating Lynk’s light data capabilities, which are expected to evolve toward full data services.
Catanduanes, located more than 360 kilometres southeast of Manila, still has many unserved areas due to its challenging topography. The island was also recently hit by typhoons Tino and Uwan, which caused extensive damage to power and telecommunications infrastructure, leaving residents without service for prolonged periods.
“Once commercially available, Smart’s direct-to-device service, enabled by Lynk’s fully deployed satellites, will allow us to respond quickly in emergency situations, ensuring affected Filipinos remain connected via satellite despite adverse conditions,” said Radames Zalameda, head of Smart’s network strategy and transformation office.
“This year, we are pushing for extensive tests across more areas and diverse use cases, including maritime routes, as we gear up for a commercial launch next year,” added Smart first vice president Lloyd R. Manaloto.
Lynk currently operates five LEO satellites, out of a planned constellation of 5,000. The company is in the process of merging with rival D2D operator Omnispace. Global satellite operator SES, which has invested in both firms, will become the majority stakeholder in the merged entity.
As of October 2025, when the merger was announced, Lynk had partnered with more than 50 mobile network operators and secured commercial contracts in over 50 countries, primarily in developing markets where satellite services are seen as critical to extending connectivity to remote and unserved areas.
Smart Communications signed its partnership with Lynk in October 2025. Rival Globe Telecom has been trialling Lynk’s D2D service since October 2024. Both Smart and Globe are also collaborating with D2D provider AST SpaceMobile under memoranda of understanding signed in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
