Turkcell Tests Revolutionary Satellite-to-Phone Service with Lynk Global

Lynk Global and Turkcell (NYSE: TKC) have successfully demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) technology in Türkiye, marking a significant milestone in their partnership announced in February 2024. The testing campaign was conducted in a remote area near Konya, showcasing successful SMS exchanges and voice calls using commercial cell phones connected directly to LEO satellites.
The demonstration utilized Turkcell’s mobile frequencies and Lynk’s satellites, requiring no specialized devices or attachments. This technology aims to enhance connectivity across rural areas and provide backup during emergencies when terrestrial networks are inoperable. Turkcell, with over 40 million subscribers, is Türkiye’s largest mobile operator, and this test represents the country’s first field implementation of D2D technology.
Lynk Global e Turkcell (NYSE: TKC) hanno dimostrato con successo la tecnologia direct-to-device (D2D) in Turchia, segnando un traguardo significativo nella loro partnership annunciata a febbraio 2024. La campagna di test è stata condotta in una zona remota vicino a Konya, evidenziando scambi di SMS e chiamate vocali riusciti utilizzando telefoni cellulari commerciali collegati direttamente a satelliti LEO.
La dimostrazione ha utilizzato le frequenze mobili di Turkcell e i satelliti di Lynk, senza necessitare di dispositivi o accessori specializzati. Questa tecnologia mira a migliorare la connettività nelle aree rurali e a fornire supporto durante le emergenze quando le reti terrestri non sono operative. Turkcell, con oltre 40 milioni di abbonati, è il più grande operatore mobile della Turchia, e questo test rappresenta la prima implementazione sul campo della tecnologia D2D nel paese.
Lynk Global y Turkcell (NYSE: TKC) han demostrado con éxito la tecnología direct-to-device (D2D) en Turquía, marcando un hito significativo en su asociación anunciada en febrero de 2024. La campaña de pruebas se llevó a cabo en un área remota cerca de Konya, mostrando intercambios exitosos de SMS y llamadas de voz utilizando teléfonos móviles comerciales conectados directamente a satélites LEO.
La demostración utilizó las frecuencias móviles de Turkcell y los satélites de Lynk, sin requerir dispositivos o accesorios especializados. Esta tecnología tiene como objetivo mejorar la conectividad en áreas rurales y proporcionar respaldo durante emergencias cuando las redes terrestres no están operativas. Turkcell, con más de 40 millones de suscriptores, es el mayor operador móvil de Turquía, y esta prueba representa la primera implementación en campo de la tecnología D2D en el país.
Lynk Global와 Turkcell (NYSE: TKC)는 2024년 2월에 발표된 파트너십의 중요한 이정표를 기념하며 터키에서 직접 장치(direct-to-device, D2D) 기술을 성공적으로 시연했습니다. 테스트 캠페인은 코니아 근처의 외딴 지역에서 실시되었으며, 상업용 휴대폰을 통해 LEO 위성에 직접 연결된 SMS 교환 및 음성 통화가 성공적으로 이루어졌습니다.
이번 시연은 Turkcell의 모바일 주파수와 Lynk의 위성을 활용했으며, 특수 장치나 부속품이 필요하지 않았습니다. 이 기술은 농촌 지역의 연결성을 향상시키고 지상 네트워크가 작동하지 않을 때 비상 상황에서 백업을 제공하는 것을 목표로 합니다. Turkcell은 4천만 명 이상의 가입자를 보유한 터키 최대의 이동통신 사업자로, 이번 테스트는 터키에서 D2D 기술의 첫 번째 현장 구현을 나타냅니다.
Lynk Global et Turkcell (NYSE: TKC) ont réussi à démontrer la technologie direct-to-device (D2D) en Turquie, marquant une étape significative dans leur partenariat annoncé en février 2024. La campagne de test a été réalisée dans une zone reculée près de Konya, montrant des échanges de SMS et des appels vocaux réussis utilisant des téléphones portables commerciaux connectés directement à des satellites LEO.
La démonstration a utilisé les fréquences mobiles de Turkcell et les satellites de Lynk, sans nécessiter de dispositifs ou d’accessoires spécialisés. Cette technologie vise à améliorer la connectivité dans les zones rurales et à fournir un soutien pendant les urgences lorsque les réseaux terrestres ne fonctionnent pas. Turkcell, avec plus de 40 millions d’abonnés, est le plus grand opérateur mobile de Turquie, et ce test représente la première mise en œuvre sur le terrain de la technologie D2D dans le pays.
Lynk Global und Turkcell (NYSE: TKC) haben erfolgreich die Direct-to-Device (D2D) Technologie in der Türkei demonstriert, was einen bedeutenden Meilenstein in ihrer Partnerschaft darstellt, die im Februar 2024 angekündigt wurde. Die Testkampagne fand in einem abgelegenen Gebiet nahe Konya statt und zeigte erfolgreiche SMS-Austausche und Sprachgespräche mit handelsüblichen Mobiltelefonen, die direkt mit LEO-Satelliten verbunden waren.
Die Demonstration nutzte die Mobilfrequenzen von Turkcell und die Satelliten von Lynk, ohne dass spezielle Geräte oder Zubehör benötigt wurden. Diese Technologie zielt darauf ab, die Konnektivität in ländlichen Gebieten zu verbessern und während Notfällen eine Backup-Verbindung bereitzustellen, wenn terrestrische Netzwerke nicht funktionieren. Turkcell, mit über 40 Millionen Abonnenten, ist der größte Mobilfunkanbieter der Türkei, und dieser Test stellt die erste Feldimplementierung der D2D-Technologie im Land dar.
Positive
- First successful demonstration of D2D technology in Türkiye, showing technological leadership
- Technology requires no specialized devices, making implementation more cost-effective
- Expands service coverage to remote areas, potentially increasing subscriber base
- Enhances network resilience with satellite backup capabilities
Negative
- Early testing phase with no immediate revenue impact
- Implementation costs and timeline not disclosed
Insights
The successful demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite technology by Turkcell and Lynk Global represents a meaningful technical achievement in the telecommunications landscape. Using standard mobile phones without modifications, they’ve successfully conducted SMS exchanges and voice calls via Low Earth Orbit satellites in rural areas near Konya—a capability that has significant implications for connectivity.
What makes this technology particularly noteworthy is its dual strategic application: extending coverage to remote areas where traditional infrastructure is impractical while simultaneously providing backup connectivity during emergencies when terrestrial networks fail. This approach addresses two persistent challenges in telecommunications infrastructure.
The technological implementation leveraging Turkcell’s existing mobile frequencies alongside Lynk’s satellites demonstrates an integration path that doesn’t require subscribers to purchase specialized equipment—a critical factor for mass adoption. While D2D satellite technology is still emerging globally, this successful field test positions Turkcell among the early implementers in bringing this capability to commercial networks.
Türkiye’s varied topography makes complete terrestrial coverage challenging, making satellite-based solutions particularly valuable for ensuring universal connectivity. This demonstration represents an important milestone in the partnership announced in February 2024, though commercial deployment timelines and service specifications remain to be announced.
Turkcell’s successful testing of satellite-direct-to-device technology with Lynk Global represents a strategic move that could strengthen its market position in Türkiye without requiring heavy infrastructure investment. For a company with over 40 million subscribers, this technology opens potential new revenue streams by extending services to previously underserved rural markets.
The demonstration follows their February 2024 partnership announcement and illustrates Turkcell’s commitment to innovative service delivery models beyond traditional infrastructure. While immediate financial impact remains at this demonstration stage, the long-term strategic value lies in three areas: increased geographical coverage, enhanced network resiliency, and competitive differentiation.
For investors, this development signals management’s forward-looking approach to technological adoption. The ability to provide connectivity in emergency situations also positions Turkcell for potential government and enterprise contracts that prioritize service continuity. However, the article provides no information on implementation timeline, required capital expenditures, or projected subscriber growth from this initiative.
Satellite D2D technology remains in early commercial stages globally, with economics and technical performance still evolving. Without details on pricing strategy, exclusivity arrangements, or targeted subscriber numbers, the financial impact assessment remains This represents a strategically sound but financially neutral development until commercialization details emerge.
- Turkcell is a leading mobile network operator in Türkiye, with more than 40 million subscribers.
- The tests occurred in a remote area with limited cellular coverage near Konya, Türkiye.
- D2D technology provides ubiquitous geographical coverage, including rural areas and can serve as a backup to ensure service resilience and provide always-on connectivity.
Lynk Global, Inc. (“Lynk”), a leading satellite-direct-to-device (D2D) provider, today announced that it has successfully demonstrated its patented technology in a testing campaign conducted in Türkiye with Turkcell (NYSE: TKC), the country’s largest mobile operator with more than 40 million subscribers. This is the latest milestone in Lynk’s efforts to bring D2D connectivity to Türkiye since both companies announced an agreement to complement network resiliency and mobile coverage in February 2024.
Ramu Potarazu, Chief Executive Officer of Lynk, said, “We are thrilled to add Türkiye to the growing list of countries where Lynk has showcased its patented and proven technology. Along with Turkcell, Lynk is committed to enhancing connectivity across rural areas in Türkiye, including in emergencies when terrestrial networks are temporarily inoperable.”
As Türkiye’s leading mobile operator, Turkcell continues to push technological boundaries to ensure uninterrupted communication and expanded coverage. In collaboration with Lynk, Turkcell conducted the country’s first field tests of D2D technology, which enables mobile services—including SMS, voice, and mobile data—directly to standard mobile phones via LEO satellites. The tests conducted in a rural area near Konya, Türkiye, utilized Turkcell’s mobile frequencies and Lynk’s satellites to successfully provide seamless SMS exchanges and voice calls using commercial cell phones without requiring specialized devices or attachments.
About Lynk
Lynk is a patented, proven, and commercially-licensed satellite-direct-to-standard-mobile-phone system. Lynk’s technology enables MNOs to provide their subscribers with connections from space for their unmodified mobile devices, enabling messaging, voice and data services designed for both commercial and government applications. Lynk’s technology has been tested and proven on all seven continents, and the Company is partnered with 50 MNOs and has commercial contracts to deliver services to approximately 60 countries. For more information, visit www.lynk.world.
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Source: Lynk Global, Inc.
FAQ
What did Turkcell (TKC) demonstrate with Lynk Global in Türkiye?
Turkcell successfully demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) technology using LEO satellites, enabling SMS and voice calls on standard mobile phones without special equipment in remote areas near Konya.
When did Turkcell (TKC) and Lynk Global announce their partnership?
The partnership was announced in February 2024 to enhance network resiliency and mobile coverage in Türkiye.
How many subscribers does Turkcell (TKC) currently have?
Turkcell has more than 40 million subscribers as Türkiye’s largest mobile operator.
What are the benefits of D2D technology for Turkcell (TKC) customers?
D2D technology provides ubiquitous geographical coverage in rural areas and serves as a backup during emergencies when terrestrial networks are inoperable.
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