Australian telco TPG Telecom has sent the first direct-to-smartphone text message on its Vodafone mobile network using US satellite operator Lynk Global’s fleet of LEO satellites.
Lynk has direct-to-device (D2D) technology called LEOsat that uses a small constellation of LEO satellites to connect to mobile phones on the ground in a way similar to roaming networks.
Connecting through Lynk’s "cell tower in space" LEO satellites, TPG Telecom sent a series of text messages from rural New South Wales to standard smartphones via the Vodafone mobile network.
The message “Happy Easter!” was sent from the Northern Tablelands of NSW near the Nowendoc National Park via the Lynk Global satellite constellation.
According to TPG, the trial used a range of popular mobile devices including Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel handsets, without any modifications to existing devices.
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“The landmark achievement represents a stepping stone to near 100% mobile coverage in Australia, putting us on the path to eliminate mobile coverage dead zones and improve rural and remote connectivity right across the country,” said TPG Telecom Chief Technology Officer Giovanni Chiarelli.
“LEOsat technology will be a game-changer for emergency communications and keeping Australians connected no matter where they are.”
TPG says LEOsat technology could eventually enable TPG Telecom to deliver basic voice, text, and data services to coverage gaps in very remote locations.
"This is a significant step in our mission to improve connectivity across Australia’s vast land mass, ensuring every Australian, regardless of location, stays connected to the world," Chiarelli said.
TPG Telecom plans to conduct additional trials in different locations later this year and will explore voice calls and limited data services in the future.
As a result of its new agreement with Lynk, TPG has joined Telstra in Australia as a partner of the US satellite operator.
"We are thrilled to partner with TPG Telecom in sending and receiving this historic text message on Vodafone’s network from rural Nowendoc, having been originated via the Lynk satellite network,” said Lynk Global VP, Asia-Pacific, James Alderdice.