# Satellite-to-phone emergency service testing in Philippines

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/satellite-to-phone-emergency-service-testing-in-philippines
> Updated: 2026-08-21T14:57:04.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Smart Communications and Lynk Global began testing direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in Batangas, Philippines. The trials were designed to evaluate how satellite technology could provide essential communication services, such as emergency alerts and SMS messaging, during disasters when terrestrial networks are disrupted by typhoons or infrastructure damage.

Following the trials, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications reported successful demonstrations of delivering emergency alerts and text messages to standard mobile phones in remote areas without functional cell towers. The companies are now targeting a commercial launch of the service in the Philippines next year, with future plans to expand connectivity to include voice calls and data services.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: PLDT and Smart test satellite-to-device emergency services in Batangas

PLDT and Smart successfully tested direct-to-device satellite technology in Batangas to provide emergency alerts and texts in remote areas during disasters.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pldt-and-smart-test-satellite-to-device-emergency-services-in-batangas

### 2026-08-19: Smart Communications tests satellite-to-phone emergency service in Batangas

Smart Communications and Lynk Global are testing direct-to-device satellite connectivity in Batangas, Philippines, to provide emergency SMS and alerts when terrestrial networks fail during disasters.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/smart-communications-tests-satellite-to-phone-emergency-service-in-batangas

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Cite as: Satellite-to-phone emergency service testing in Philippines. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/satellite-to-phone-emergency-service-testing-in-philippines