Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) and Lynk Global have expanded their Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity tests to Batangas, as the companies explore how mobile phones could stay connected when terrestrial cell towers are damaged or unavailable during disasters.
The tests focused on disaster scenarios where mobile network infrastructure may be disrupted by typhoons, power outages, or other calamities. The technology could allow Smart customers to receive emergency alerts and public safety messages through satellite-enabled cell broadcasts even when conventional network infrastructure is down.
“Reliable communication is essential in times of crisis,” said Menardo Jimenez, COO and head of Network at PLDT. “As disasters continue to pose challenges to communities across the country, PLDT and Smart remain committed to investing in technologies that help ensure critical information reaches people when they need it most.”
The Batangas tests were led by Smart’s Network Strategy and Architecture Team with Lynk. They build on earlier D2D satellite service trials in Catanduanes and Ilocos Norte, where the companies also examined how satellite connectivity could complement existing telecommunications infrastructure.
D2D technology is designed to work with standard mobile phones, meaning customers would not necessarily need a special satellite phone or other dedicated hardware to connect.
The companies are also testing two-way communication, including the ability to send SMS messages when terrestrial cell towers are unavailable. This could provide another way for people to contact others during emergencies, particularly during typhoons and extended power outages.
The technology could also help extend mobile coverage to rural, underserved, and hard-to-reach locations. Potential users include remote workers, people traveling at sea, and fishermen operating in maritime areas.
For the Philippines, where severe weather events can disrupt communications and isolate communities, satellite-to-phone connectivity could provide an additional layer of network backup. Emergency responders and government agencies could also use satellite-enabled broadcasts to send critical information to people in affected areas.
The results from Batangas add to Smart and Lynk’s ongoing trials as they assess how satellite technology can support disaster response, public safety communications, and connectivity in areas where traditional network infrastructure is limited or temporarily unavailable.