Satellite-to-cell graphic. Photo illustration: Via Satellite

Two leading Direct-to-Device (D2D) companies Lynk Global and Omnispace will merge, and once this merger is completed, global satellite operator SES will become a major strategic shareholder. SES, which itself has just completed its own blockbuster merge with Intelsat, announced its intention to invest on Wednesday.

The former D2D rivals Lynk and Omnispace said that the aim of joining forces will be to facilitate a robust deployment of D2D and IoT services for mobile network operator (MNO), enterprise and government customers as part of a multi-orbit, multi-spectrum network architecture.

The transaction is expected to close late this year or early next year, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. Upon closing, Ramu Potarazu will serve as the CEO and Ram Viswanathan will serve as the Chief Strategy Officer of the new entity.

The combined entity will leverage Omnispace’s 60 MHz of globally coordinated S-band spectrum and its high-priority filings with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), optimized for D2D services. Omnispace’s licensed mobile satellite spectrum is compliant with 3GPP standards for non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and adheres to national regulatory frameworks. It also includes a large S-band market access footprint, reaching over 1 billion people across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. This foundation enables accelerated global deployment and scalable service delivery.

Lynk’s technology enables backward compatible satellite-delivered mobile voice and messaging services to more than 7 billion smartphones and IoT devices and will leverage the S-band to offer a step-change in its data, voice and messaging services to new smart phones and IoT devices, including automotive platforms.

“We see enormous opportunities in D2D and IoT connectivity. The planned combination of Lynk and Omnispace will offer SES access to new LEO capabilities that align with our strategy to diversify into this high-growth segment. This merger pairs an industry-leading global spectrum portfolio with a disruptive cost-effective satellite technology platform – accelerating deployment and delivering significant value to our commercial and government customers,” Adel Al-Saleh, CEO, SES, said in a statement.