Globe eyes phone-to-satellite texting
Globe Telecom Inc. wants to enable satellite-based short messaging service (SMS) in rural areas that lack cellular reception after successfully completing a trial test in Zambales, a move that is seen to improve connectivity through mobile phones.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ayala-led telco giant said they were able to transmit text messages using standard phones via satellites of its American partner Lynk Global Inc.
The company said this was the first time regular mobile phones on prepaid and postpaid accounts were able to send SMS directly via satellite.
“The test, which used a range of mobile devices, showed that direct-to-phone satellite communication is possible without any modifications to existing devices, allowing for widespread access and affordability,” it explained.
This breakthrough is deemed crucial for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where traditional telecommunication infrastructures are challenging to be built.
GIDAs, which are located in remote and mountainous areas, represent about 27 percent of the barangays across the country.
Satellite technology is being tapped as a connectivity solution in these areas because it does not rely on on-ground facilities.
This month, Globe is set to conduct another trial in Mindanao.
“This is a significant step in our mission to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of location, stays connected to the world,” said Gerhard Tan, senior director and head of technology strategy and innovations at Globe.
In 2022, Globe also inked a memorandum of agreement with US-based AST SpaceMobile Inc. to offer satellite-linked cellular broadband connectivity.
The space-based mobile broadband services included voice, video, data and internet access via 2G, 4G/LTE and 5G signals, which the company deemed as crucial for disaster response.
