en.Wedoany.com Reported - OPT-NC, a telecommunications operator in New Caledonia, in partnership with satellite communications company Lynk Global, has successfully completed its first satellite mobile connectivity test in the region.

Lynk specializes in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications and has developed a direct-to-device (D2D) service that allows standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without any hardware modifications. The test enabled the sending and receiving of text messages in areas without terrestrial mobile network coverage. Lynk stated that this success validates the technical feasibility of providing satellite-based mobile messaging services in New Caledonia. The test also serves as a preliminary verification step before advancing to more sophisticated stages, particularly those involving mobile data connectivity services. Lynk noted that direct-to-device technology is still an emerging field, and the test service is not yet available around the clock. However, as Lynk's satellite capabilities are enhanced, coverage is expected to gradually improve, with plans to achieve full coverage by mid-2027.

For OPT-NC, the goal is to prepare a complementary connectivity layer capable of providing communication coverage in areas lacking terrestrial networks, during emergencies, or in times of crisis. This partnership also paves the way for establishing new synergies with satellite operators to identify the best use cases for New Caledonia, assess the technical and regulatory conditions for integration, and ultimately enhance the region's communication resilience.

Following the initial test success, OPT-NC will continue its collaboration with Lynk Global through the end of 2026. The next phase plans a new round of testing focused on satellite mobile data transmission. Lynk's satellites operate in the 900MHz frequency band, which was recently released after the shutdown of 2G networks. In areas without OPT-NC terrestrial network coverage, mobile phones can directly receive satellite signals, thereby maintaining communication channels. In cases of dual coverage, the OPT-NC network takes priority over the Lynk network. The partnership between OPT-NC and Lynk is based on a roaming agreement and does not require dedicated ground stations, significantly simplifying the service implementation process.