In a major breakthrough for digital inclusion, Globe and Lynk Global have successfully completed the Philippines’ first voice call using a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite directly to a standard, unmodified mobile phone.
The historic live test was held in Bagac, Bataan, a remote area with no terrestrial network coverage. Despite heavy rains, the team achieved clear and stable two-way calls, marking a crucial step toward bringing reliable mobile connectivity to far-flung and disaster-prone communities.
“This technology brings families closer and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals by bridging the digital divide with next-generation direct-to-device services,” said Gerhard Tan, Globe’s Senior Director for Technology Strategy and Innovation.
Powered by Lynk Global’s “cell towers in space,” the trial used Lynk SIMs on a GSM network with scheduled satellite passes that occur 2–3 times daily. Texts and call registration were also successfully completed during visibility windows.
Lynk CCO Daniel Dooley added, “Together with Globe, we aim to connect rural areas, remote islands, and maritime zones, ensuring coverage even when traditional networks are down.”
The successful trial paves the way for future innovations like Voice over LTE (VoLTE) via satellite, further improving call clarity and access.
This milestone underscores Globe’s commitment to innovation and digital equity, bringing lifeline connectivity to even the country’s most underserved populations.
