A rendering of Lynk’s satellite-to-cell concept. Photo: Lynk Global

Lynk has initiated satellite-to-cell phone services in the Solomon Islands with its regional mobile operator partner Solomon Islands Limited (Bmobile), which is using Lynk’s “cell-towers-in-space” to connect its customers with voice and SMS telecommunications services. Lynk announced the service launch, which it calls “sat2phone,” on Tuesday.

Bmobile currently operates in four provinces across the country: Guadalcanal; Malaita; Western; and Central Province. In a statement, Bmobile CEO Devan Kula said that the Lynk partnership allows the company to rapidly grow its footprint across the nation.

“Bmobile now has the ability to further extend geographic mobile coverage for the people of Solomon Islands,” said Kula. “We feel Lynk is a must-have service that can save lives and help people no matter where they are. Bmobile is starting by giving immediate coverage to our mobile subscribers across Makira. As the Lynk service grows it will bring 21st Century connectivity to all the people of the Solomon Islands across the entire nation.”

Lynk has proven SMS, broadcast emergency alerts, and voice calls on all seven continents. The company is now targeting service launch this year in Papua New Guinea with Bmobile’s parent company Telikom Ltd.