Smart, Lynk Expand Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity Tests to Remote Northern Luzon Communities
Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT)'s wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) and its technology partner Lynk Global have completed another round of field tests for their Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite communication service, this time in the northern coastal municipalities of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte—areas facing the West Philippine Sea and known for pockets of limited terrestrial mobile coverage.
The expanded test activities mark a significant geographic extension of Smart and Lynk’s ongoing D2D pilot following earlier successful demonstrations in Catanduanes, and underscore the technology’s potential to provide critical connectivity to remote areas and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) across the Philippines.
The latest trials were conducted by Smart’s Network Strategy and Architecture Team together with Lynk engineers and were joined by National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Region I Director Glenn Mercado and Engr. Rolly Albiosa, who observed the tests onsite.
During the field activities, the teams exchanged text messages between smartphones located in Ilocos Norte and Metro Manila. The team also successfully accessed key public information platforms, including the websites of Smart, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and PAGASA, highlighting the technology’s potential to support public safety, disaster response, and maritime connectivity.
These findings reinforce results from earlier tests conducted in Barangay Marambong in Pandan, Catanduanes, a remote coastal community facing the Pacific Ocean, where network rollout remains challenging due to terrain and distance.'Connecting every Filipino' PLDT and Smart emphasized how satellite technology can meaningfully advance national efforts to bridge the digital divide.
“Connecting the unconnected has always been at the heart of our mission,” said Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Network Head. “The Philippines is an archipelago, and it can be challenging to reach many of our communities, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), with traditional towers.”
According to Jimenez, D2D satellite technology allows PLDT and Smart to overcome these limitations. “Direct-to-device satellite technology gives PLDT and Smart a powerful way to overcome the geographic challenges of serving an archipelago. For us, this is no longer just about announcing partnerships, but about delivering real results for real communities. By testing where the technology truly matters, we are taking a step closer to providing reliable connectivity to every Filipino, no matter how remote their location.”
Smart emphasized that D2D satellite service is envisioned as a complementary layer to its nationwide mobile network—particularly valuable during natural disasters, when terrestrial infrastructure may be compromised.
“As with any emerging technology, there are areas that still need refinement. But given these early results, we are hopeful that as the solution matures, it can be part of measures to extend connectivity to remote and underserved communities,” said NTC Dir. Mercado.
Lynk executives likewise expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration and the Philippines’ potential to be one of the first markets in the world to scale satellite-to-phone connectivity for public use.
“Our partnership with Smart is among the most progressive in the region,” said Ramu Potarazu, Lynk CEO. “The Philippines’ geography makes it an ideal environment to prove the real-world value of satellite-direct-to-device technology. These tests show that meaningful, life-saving connectivity can be made available even in locations where traditional networks cannot reach. We look forward to continuing our work with Smart to bring this service to Filipino communities.”
Smart and Lynk will continue expanding the scope of their D2D tests across different terrains, regions, coastal communities and maritime routes, while working closely with regulators, industry stakeholders, and local government units to ensure readiness for future deployment.
The initiative supports the PLDT Group’s broader thrust of ensuring inclusive, resilient, and future-proof connectivity in alignment with national digital transformation goals.