Lynk Global received clearance from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to offer direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity to various of the nation’s overseas territories through a partnership with Docomo Pacific.

The FCC cleared Lynk Global to provide D2D connectivity in the US territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The move required an amendment to the satellite company’s original operating licence issued in 2022.

Lynk Global EVP and chief global affairs officer Amy Mehlman thanked the FCC “for quickly granting our licence modification”, which builds on its position as the first company in the world to be authorised to provide “international satellite D2D service”.

Mehlman explained the modification enables Lynk Global to “launch commercial services to connect this critical area within the US with our partner Docomo Pacific”.

Lynk Global stated the FCC’s approval of the modified licence “demonstrates our progress on our strategic roadmap”.

The clearance means Lynk Global and Docomo Pacific can “provide services in parts of the country that are underserved or out of reach from conventional mobile networks”, it added.

Japanese operator NTT Docomo acquired Guam Cellular and Paging and Guam Wireless Telephone Company to form the Pacific business almost 20 years ago.