TPG partners with Lynk Global to introduce sat2phone tech

TPG Telecom has partnered with leading satellite-direct-to-mobile-phone operator Lynk Global in an effort to eliminate mobile coverage dead zones around Australia.

The non-exclusive, service launch agreement paves the way for TPG Telecom to address mobile connectivity gaps in rural and remote Australia by connecting standard mobile phones to Lynk’s growing constellation of low Earth orbit satellites. TPG Telecom and Lynk Global will collaborate to introduce ‘sat2phone’ satellite technology to TPG’s customers, with initial text message trials commencing in 2025.

In other countries, Lynk provides cell broadcast (emergency) alerts and text messaging. In Australia, Lynk is testing SMS and has plans to introduce voice and limited data services in the future.

“We are excited to collaborate with Lynk Global to deliver mobile connectivity in the hardest-to-reach places in Australia,” said TPG Telecom Chief Technology Officer Giovanni Chiarelli.

“Combining innovative technologies like sat2phone with our mobile network would bring much-needed connectivity to those living and working in remote and rural locations, and could play a critical role in delivering life-saving services.”

Lynk Global VP Asia-Pacific James Alderdice added, “Lynk is thrilled to partner with TPG Telecom to extend its network with our sat2phone service. Over two-thirds of Australia’s land mass is currently without mobile coverage, making this vast terrain an ideal target to deliver mobile connectivity directly from Lynk’s LEO satellites as a supplement to TPG’s extensive terrestrial mobile network.”

Acting as an extension to terrestrial mobile services, the technology could eventually enable TPG Telecom to deliver basic voice, text and data services to coverage gaps in very remote locations.

“Australia’s vast geography and sparse population pose unique challenges for deploying commercially viable mobile networks in remote and regional communities,” Chiarelli said.

“By connecting smartphones via satellite to existing mobile networks, sat2phone technology has the potential to transform connectivity right across Australia.”

The news was announced shortly before TPG revealed its plans to enter into a mobile network and spectrum sharing arrangement with Optus, which is set to extend TPG’s network coverage to 98.4% of the Australian population.

Image credit: iStock.com/3DSculptor