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Philstar[1] reports Smart will mount the service 'by 2027' and quotes Smart's Lloyd Manaloto gearing up 'for commercial launch next year' (said in January 2026); no month is given, so the year's last day is used.- Start
- Dec 31, 202750% CONFIDENCEsource
Smart Launches Direct-to-Device Satellite Service
Smart plans to switch on commercial satellite-to-phone service with Lynk Global in 2027, the first in the Philippines, starting with texts and light data for remote islands and disaster zones.
- Smart aims to be the first Philippine telco with direct-to-device satellite service, launching commercially by 2027[1][6]
- The service rides on Lynk Global's low-orbit satellites and is meant for remote islands, mountains and areas knocked out by typhoons[1][5]
- Pilots in Catanduanes (January 2026) and Ilocos Norte (March 2026) carried texts and light data to ordinary phones[3][5]
- Smart says the launch also waits on Lynk putting more satellites in orbit; Lynk has five of a planned 5,000[1][4]
- PLDT's COO calls today's direct-to-cell texting slow, up to four minutes each way, but useful as a backup in hard-to-reach areas[2]