Lynk and Vodafone Cook Islands to Begin Sat2Phone Service for Subscribers

August 08, 2023

Lynk Global, Inc. (Lynk), and Vodafone Cook Islands announced the start of an initial satellite direct-to-mobile phone service to Vodafone Cook Island subscribers using Lynk's "cell-towers-in-space." Vodafone Cook Islands is the second mobile network operator (MNO) in the world to launch Lynk's sat2phone technology as a subscriber service.

Vodafone is the leading telecommunications services provider in the Cook Islands, offering mobile, broadband, fixed line, and a range of other telecommunications technology-based services and solutions across all inhabited islands. With a rich history and commitment to innovation, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape of the Cook Islands. The company has continuously invested in cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure to provide a seamless and reliable network for its subscribers. Whether it's voice calls, messaging, internet access, or enterprise solutions, Vodafone Cook Islands offers a comprehensive range of services designed to cater to individual, residential, and business needs.

"Given the vast area of the Cook Islands, we at Vodafone have always sought innovative technology to improve connectivity to remote islands, atolls, and the sea in between. Lynk's service is unique in addressing our need to extend our mobile coverage but without burdensome capex. We see our remote communities, our fishers, and visiting yachties making good use of the extra connectivity and coverage that Lynk provides," says Phillip Henderson, CEO, Vodafone Cook Islands.

"Lynk has been entrusted to deliver initial service for Vodafone Cook Islands, which spans 15 islands and 1,960,027+ square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that comprise the Cook Islands," says Dan Dooley, Lynk's chief commercial officer. "It is a staggering amount of territory, and Lynk is proud to work with Vodafone to connect their subscribers. Our initial Sat2Phone service will start as a beta service in an area called `Manuae Route' and extend over time. Similar to the service we offer to PNCC in Palau, Lynk will also provide backup services that enhance network resilience when natural disasters damage the ground network," says Dooley.