PLDT’s Smart tests Lynk’s D2D satellite service in Catanduanes

Details: John Tanner; Category: Satellite Networks; 15 January 2026; 8820 views

PLDT’s wireless arm Smart Communications and direct-to-device (D2D) LEO satellite operator Lynk Global said on Wednesday they have successfully tested Lynk’s D2D network on the island of Catanduanes in the Philippines.

The tests were conducted by Smart's network strategy and architecture team with Lynk's technical team in the remote barangay of Marambong in the Municipality of Pandan directly facing the Philippine Sea.

Smart said the team used Lynk’s LEO satellites to transmit text messages between phones in Catanduanes and Metro Manila, as well as between two phones located within Catanduanes province.

Smart said the teams were also able to access the telco's website, demonstrating Lynk satellite's light data capabilities, which will eventually evolve toward full data service.

Located more than 360 km southeast of Manila, Catanduanes still has many unserved areas due to its challenging topography. The island was also recently severely impacted by typhoons Tino and Uwan, which caused significant damage to power and telecoms infrastructure, and left residents without service for an extended period.

"Once commercially available, Smart's direct-to-device service, enabled by Lynk’s fully deployed satellites, will enable us to respond quickly in emergency situations, ensuring affected Filipinos remain connected via satellite despite adverse conditions," said Radames Zalameda, head of Smart’s network strategy and transformation office, in a statement.

“This year, we are also pushing for extensive tests across more areas and diverse use cases, including maritime routes, as we gear up for a commercial launch next year,” added Smart first VP Lloyd R. Manaloto.

Lynk currently has five LEO satellites in orbit, out of a planned constellation of 5,000. The company is currently in the process of merging with rival D2D operator Omnispace. Global satellite giant SES, which has invested in both companies, will be the majority stakeholder in the merged entity.

As of October 2025 when the merger was announced, Lynk has partnered with over 50 MNOs and has commercial contracts to deliver services to over 50 countries, mostly in developing markets that see satellite services as key to extending connectivity to remote and unserved areas.

Smart Communications officially signed its partnership deal with Lynk in October 2025. Smart’s rival Globe Telecom has been trialling Lynk’s D2D service since October 2024. Smart and Globe are also collaborating with D2D service provider AST Spacemobile under MoUs signed in 2021 and 2022, respectively.