Lynk Global, a space-based mobile network connectivity provider, on Tuesday announced that it has filed for a commercial operator's license with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Commercial service is expected to begin around the world starting next year upon FCC approval, said the firm. The startup's patented technology will eventually allow anyone with an existing cell phone to stay connected, anywhere in the world, at all times. Most importantly, Lynk's system requires no changes to the phone. The existing phones will work, claims Lynk.
Lynk's initial commercial license application intentionally uses the FCC's new streamlined process for up to 10 small satellites to accelerate the license. Previous applications suggest this streamlined process will take 10-12 months, allowing Lynk to begin global service next year. This is the first step in Lynk's plans for a larger constellation that will grow to several thousand satellites to begin continuous global service in 2025.
Ultimately, Lynk's full constellation will reach 5,000 satellites to provide broadband speeds to your phone. Using a low-risk development approach, Lynk will integrate some of the most advanced space sustainability methods today to prevent and mitigate orbital debris and is actively advocating within industry and government to develop stronger orbital debris mitigation approaches for tomorrow.
In February 2020, with the help of NASA and mobile network operators (MNO), Lynk sent the world's first text message from a satellite in orbit to a standard mobile phone on the ground. Lynk has also signed contracts with the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Space Agency to support development of the Lynk system.To date, Lynk has signed dozens of testing agreements with MNOs.
Charles Miller, CEO of Lynk
Lynk is introducing a brand-new, never-been-done-before service—satellite-direct-to-standard-phones. As an American company, we are fortunate to have the FCC, whose process is trusted by officials around the world, to license our satellites.
