Lynk Global cleared to provide direct-to-device service to Guam, CNMI

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The Federal Communications Commission has cleared Lynk Global to provide direct-to-device (D2D) service to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands through a partnership with Docomo Pacific.

D2D is a new technology that enables standard mobile phones and other devices to directly connect to space satellites, bypassing traditional land-based cell towers and facilitating connectivity in dead zones.

Docomo Pacific and Lynk Global LLC described their collaboration as “an important step toward bringing enhanced connectivity solutions” to areas where traditional telecom infrastructure may be challenged or underserved.

Christine Baleto

Docomo said details about the service rollout and testing phases will be announced later.

“We are elated to be chosen by Lynk as their trusted telecommunications partner. Lynk's approach to satellite-direct-to-device technology aligns perfectly with our vision of bringing ‘Tomorrow's Islands, Today’," said Christine Baleto, Docomo president and CEO.

Baleto said Docomo and Lynk are still working on laying and testing the foundation for the service, which she said would bring "better connectivity to areas where traditional telecom assets are not feasible."

"This partnership announcement underscores Docomo Pacific's enduring commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and global collaborations. As a result, this brings reliable, high-quality communications services to every resident and business in Guam and the Marianas,” she added.

Docomo announced the upcoming new service following FCC’s April 29 decision to grant Lynk Global’s petition for license modification to provide supplemental coverage from space. The modified license authorizes Lynk to operate in the 845.1-845.3 MHz band for Earth-to-space, and the 890.1 to 890.3 MHz  band for space-to-Earth. 

"This is incredibly exciting for Lynk to be the second direct-to-device provider licensed for commercial service in the U.S. We are taking great strides on our mission to connect everyone, everywhere and this approval demonstrates our progress on our strategic roadmap,” said Amy Mehlman, EVP and chief global affairs officer at Lynk Global.

“It enables Lynk and our trusted partner, Docomo Pacific, to provide services in parts of the country that are underserved or out of reach from conventional mobile networks. We want to thank the FCC for quickly granting our license modification to provide service in the United States.”

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