Satellite Merger Creates Spectrum Powerhouse for Direct-to-Device Connectivity Race

Strategic Alliance Reshapes Satellite-to-Phone Landscape

In a move that significantly alters the competitive dynamics of the emerging direct-to-device (D2D) satellite market, Lynk Global and Omnispace have announced plans to merge their operations and spectrum assets. The combined entity positions itself as a formidable competitor against established players like SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile in the race to connect standard mobile phones directly via satellite networks.

Spectrum Consolidation Creates Competitive Advantage

The merger brings together Omnispace’s valuable 60 megahertz of S-band spectrum with Lynk’s operational D2D platform, which currently provides intermittent messaging services through five small satellites in low Earth orbit. This spectrum combination represents one of the most significant strategic advantages in the emerging satellite-to-cellphone market, where frequency rights are becoming increasingly contested and valuable.

Omnispace vice president of strategy and marketing George Giagtzoglou highlighted the interference challenges the company faced, noting that “the interference issue was specific to the United States, where part of the T-Mobile cellular spectrum used by SpaceX overlaps with Omnispace’s S-band frequencies.” The merger effectively resolves these spectrum coordination challenges while creating a stronger entity to navigate regulatory landscapes.

Multi-Orbit Strategy and SES Partnership

SES, the Luxembourg-based multi-orbit operator that has invested in both companies, will emerge as a major strategic shareholder in the combined organization. This relationship provides access to SES’s extensive geostationary and medium Earth orbit infrastructure, enabling the merged company to pursue an ambitious multi-orbit strategy.

Lynk CEO Ramu Potarazu outlined plans to leverage this partnership, stating the company aims to “provide a global, continuous D2D service by 2027” using SES’s existing orbital assets. The upcoming February launch of two new satellites will test this multi-orbit relay capability, validating the technical approach before full-scale deployment.

Leadership and Market Positioning

The combined entity will be led by Lynk’s Ramu Potarazu as CEO, with Omnispace’s Ram Viswanathan serving as chief strategy officer. This leadership structure combines Lynk’s operational experience with Omnispace’s spectrum expertise, creating a balanced management team to execute their ambitious roadmap., as comprehensive coverage

Viswanathan emphasized the strategic value of the merger, stating: “This merger unlocks the full potential of our global S-band spectrum assets and positions us at the forefront of D2D.” The combined company aims to serve multiple market segments, including mobile network operators, consumer devices, commercial and industrial vehicles, and government sectors worldwide.

Competitive Landscape Intensifies

The satellite D2D market is witnessing rapid consolidation and spectrum acquisition as players position for what many analysts believe could become a multi-billion dollar market. Key developments include:

• SpaceX’s spectrum acquisition from EchoStar valued at over $17 billion, which would boost their D2D capacity twentyfold
• AST SpaceMobile’s partnerships with AT&T and Verizon, along with their pursuit of L-band spectrum from Ligado Networks
• Multiple regulatory approvals required across different jurisdictions for spectrum access and service deployment

The merger comes at a critical juncture for Lynk, which recently abandoned plans to raise capital through a merger with Slam Corp., a publicly listed shell company. The Omnispace combination provides an alternative path to securing the necessary resources for constellation expansion and service development.

Regulatory Timeline and Next Steps

The companies anticipate closing the merger in late 2024 or early 2025, pending regulatory approvals. The timing coincides with increasing regulatory scrutiny of satellite spectrum rights and D2D service authorization across multiple markets.

As Potarazu noted, the combined entity now has “the right mix of technology, spectrum and leadership to extend mobile connectivity where and when it’s needed most,” positioning the merged company to compete effectively in the rapidly evolving satellite connectivity ecosystem.

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