en.Wedoany.com Reported - New Caledonian operator OPT-NC, in collaboration with satellite communications company Lynk Global, has successfully completed the region's first mobile connectivity test based on low Earth orbit satellites. During the test, an unmodified standard mobile phone directly connected to a Lynk-operated low Earth orbit satellite to send and receive text messages.

Lynk specializes in low Earth orbit satellite communications, developing direct-to-device services that enable standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without any modifications. This trial achieved text messaging in areas without terrestrial mobile network coverage, verifying the technical feasibility of deploying satellite-based mobile messaging services in New Caledonia. Lynk stated that this is an initial validation step before advancing to more sophisticated stages, which will involve mobile data connectivity services. Currently, direct-to-device satellite technology remains emerging, and test services are not yet available around the clock. As Lynk's satellite capacity increases, coverage is expected to gradually improve, with full coverage anticipated by mid-2027.

For OPT-NC, the goal is to create a complementary connectivity layer for communication services in areas with no terrestrial network coverage, during emergencies, or in crisis situations. This initiative also paves the way for establishing synergies with satellite operators to identify optimal use cases, assess technical and regulatory conditions, and enhance communication resilience.

Following the successful initial test, OPT-NC plans to continue collaboration with Lynk Global by the end of 2026, with the next phase focusing on transmitting mobile data via satellite. Lynk satellites operate in the 900 MHz frequency band, which was freed up following the shutdown of 2G networks. In areas without OPT-NC terrestrial network coverage, mobile phones can directly receive satellite signals to maintain communication; in areas with dual coverage, the OPT-NC network takes priority over the Lynk network. The two parties cooperate based on a roaming agreement, eliminating the need to build dedicated ground stations and simplifying service deployment.