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Lynk Global and Omnispace have announced plans to merge, aiming to create a leading direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity provider by combining key technological and spectrum assets. The merger would unite Omnispace’s 60 megahertz of globally coordinated S-band spectrum with Lynk’s multi-spectrum satellite technology platform, which is currently operational with five low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites offering intermittent messaging and alert services across several island nations.
The combined entity, backed strategically by Luxembourg-based multi-orbit operator SES, which is set to become a major shareholder, intends to utilise this S-band spectrum aligned with international 3GPP standards for non-terrestrial networks. This move will deliver enhanced D2D and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity solutions. These services are targeted at mobile network operators (MNOs), enterprises, government users, and commercial sectors worldwide, signalling a significant expansion in satellite-based mobile communications offerings.
Omnispace, headquartered in Washington, D.C., initially planned to deploy a constellation exceeding 600 satellites utilising its spectrum for global D2D coverage. However, its progress was hindered by interference issues reportedly related to the overlap with SpaceX’s spectrum usage in the U.S., particularly concerning T-Mobile’s cellular frequencies. According to Omnispace’s vice president of strategy and marketing, George Giagtzoglou, this interference was specific to the U.S. market, with expectations that a recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulatory request by SpaceX could alleviate conflicts by aligning frequency usage with international S-band allocations.
Lynk CEO Ramu Potarazu expressed confidence that the merger provides the “right mix of technology, spectrum and leadership” to accelerate the delivery of seamless messaging, voice, and data services globally, extending coverage to commercial and industrial vehicles, governments, utilities, and consumer markets. Potarazu is slated to become CEO of the new combined entity, with Omnispace CEO Ram Viswanathan taking on the role of chief strategy officer.
This strategic pivot towards spectrum ownership marks a critical step for Lynk, which recently discontinued a planned public merger with Slam Corp., a special purpose acquisition company, following legal disputes that had constrained its capital-raising efforts. Instead, Lynk has been focusing on leveraging SES’s extensive satellite network in geostationary and medium Earth orbits and focused on a technology validation launch that will test new multi-orbit relay functions.
The timing of this merger also places Lynk and Omnispace alongside major industry competitors such as SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile, both actively securing satellite spectrum to bolster their D2D services. SpaceX is in the process of acquiring S-band spectrum rights from EchoStar (DISH), a deal reported to be valued at up to $17 billion in total considerations, which would significantly expand its licensed spectrum. The move is intended to grow its capacity from the modest 10 megahertz currently licensed through T-Mobile to a potential 50 megahertz for a next-generation service. Its constellation of over 650 Starlink satellites currently supports text messaging, emergency alerts, and select apps in specific markets.
Meanwhile, AST SpaceMobile, currently operating five test BlueBird LEO satellites, aims to scale rapidly with U.S. carriers AT&T and Verizon. It is pursuing various global spectrum agreements to provide higher-throughput satellite broadband, competing directly with the newly combined entity.
The Lynk-Omnispace merger is positioned to strengthen the landscape of D2D satellite communication by combining spectrum assets—Omnispace’s 60 MHz S-band and Lynk’s operational platform—with financial backing from SES. The companies anticipate finalising the transaction by late this year or early next year, subject to customary regulatory approvals. This consolidation reflects a growing industry trend where satellite firms seek to secure expansive, globally coordinated spectrum bands in order to deliver seamless, low-latency connectivity directly to consumer devices without relying solely on terrestrial cellular networks.
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