Satellite operators Lynk Global and Omnispace have completed their merger to form Elveo Mobile, creating a new direct-to-device satellite company focused on delivering connectivity to standard mobile phones, connected devices and machines across multiple frequency bands.
The transaction, first announced in October last year, closed on 14 August.
Elveo combines Lynk’s direct-to-phone technology with Omnispace’s spectrum assets and satellite communications capabilities as it works toward a multi-band, multi-orbit connectivity model for mobile network operators and other customers.
Elveo brings together two direct-to-device satellite players
Lynk was founded in 2017 and developed what it described as a “cell tower in space” model, designed to connect directly with standard mobile phones without requiring specialised satellite handsets.
Omnispace traces its origins to 2012 and developed around 2 GHz mobile satellite service S-band spectrum rights before launching its own satellites.
The combined company said it brings together around 20 years of experience, globally coordinated spectrum rights in multiple bands, patented multi-band satellite technology and existing relationships with mobile operators.
The merger reflects growing competition in the direct-to-device satellite market, where operators are seeking to extend mobile coverage beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
Initial services to focus on narrowband applications
Elveo said its services are intended to work with existing mobile phones and connected devices rather than requiring users to purchase specialised hardware.
Initial services will focus on narrowband applications such as SMS, WhatsApp and mobile banking.
More data-intensive applications are planned later.
The company is also designing its network around 5G, future-generation mobile technologies and non-terrestrial network standards, with potential applications across consumer connectivity, automotive, IoT and government services.
Commercial agreements signed, but services are not yet live
Elveo said the combined business has commercial agreements with more than 50 mobile network operators and distribution partners active in more than 60 countries.
However, no commercial services are currently operational.
That distinction is important because the merged company still needs to expand its satellite fleet, secure additional funding and move from trials and partnerships into live service delivery.
The company also plans to continue expanding its global spectrum rights as part of that process.
Constellation target set at 320 LEO satellites
Elveo is targeting a constellation of 320 low-Earth orbit satellites.
At present, the combined company has eight LEO satellites and one medium-Earth orbit satellite in orbit.
Reaching the planned constellation size will require significant manufacturing, launch capacity and financing.
Elveo is therefore looking to establish global manufacturing capability and raise capital to support satellite construction and deployment.
SES to support multi-orbit strategy
SES, which previously held stakes in both Lynk and Omnispace, is expected to play an important role in the new company’s development.
The partnership could give Elveo access to SES’s medium-Earth and geostationary orbit constellations, ground infrastructure and potentially broader sales, marketing and manufacturing support.
SES said the companies will work together on spectrum initiatives and the delivery of direct-to-device services.
The planned model would combine Elveo’s LEO network with SES’s MEO and GEO infrastructure, creating a multi-orbit architecture rather than relying on a single satellite layer.
Source: MEA Tech Watch Press Reporter
