A new satellite-to-mobile partnership between Lynk Global and Docomo Pacific aims to expand cell phone coverage across Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), particularly in remote or underserved communities. The move follows a key approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on April 29.
The FCC's decision allows Lynk Global, a Virginia-based satellite company, to offer "supplemental coverage from space," or SCS. The technology enables satellites to connect directly to standard mobile phones, effectively acting as a cell tower in orbit.
The approval permits Lynk to operate in two frequency bands — 845.1-845.3 MHz for uplink (Earth to space) and 890.1-890.3 MHz for downlink (space to Earth). The service will use Docomo Pacific's existing spectrum to reach customers throughout the U.S. territories of Guam and the CNMI.
"This is incredibly exciting for Lynk to be the second direct-to-device provider licensed for commercial service in the U.S.," said Amy Mehlman, Lynk's executive vice president and chief global affairs officer. "It enables Lynk and our trusted partner, DOCOMO PACIFIC, to provide services in parts of the country that are underserved or out of reach from conventional mobile networks."
Lynk is the first satellite operator to deliver this kind of service in Guam and the CNMI. It follows a 2024 FCC rule change that opened the door for satellite companies to supplement mobile networks, with SpaceX and T-Mobile being the first approved.
Docomo Pacific, a subsidiary of Japan's NTT Docomo, announced the partnership as a strategic step toward resiliency and digital equity.
"This partnership announcement underscores DOCOMO PACIFIC's enduring commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and global collaborations," said Christine Baleto, President and CEO of Docomo Pacific. "As a result, this brings reliable, high-quality communications services to every resident and business in Guam and the Marianas.”
While there is no official launch date, both companies said technical groundwork is underway. Lynk, which has already tested its technology in over a dozen countries, is building a network of low-Earth orbit satellites designed to integrate directly with existing mobile phones.
In March, satellite operator SES also invested in Lynk and joined as a channel partner.
