OPT-NC & Lynk Global Complete First Direct-to-Mobile Satellite SMS Trial in New Caledonia
OPT-NC has completed its first direct-to-device (D2D) satellite messaging trial in partnership with Lynk Global, successfully sending and receiving SMS messages on a standard mobile phone in an area without terrestrial cellular coverage.
The test connected a conventional smartphone directly to one of Lynk's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites using the 900 MHz spectrum, demonstrating how satellite connectivity can extend mobile coverage without requiring dedicated satellite phones or specialised hardware. Under the roaming-based approach, devices automatically prioritise OPT-NC's terrestrial network whenever it is available.
The trial marks an early step towards introducing satellite-enabled mobile services in New Caledonia, with future testing planned to evaluate direct-to-device mobile data later this year. Coverage is expected to improve as Lynk expands its satellite constellation, with continuous service targeted from mid-2027.
Rather than replacing terrestrial infrastructure, OPT-NC has said that it sees satellite connectivity as an additional resilience layer that can provide communications in remote areas, during emergencies or when ground networks are unavailable. The operator said the partnership will also help assess future technical, regulatory and commercial use cases as direct-to-device services mature.