How Cell Towers in Space Are Transforming Connectivity

The Satellite World Briefing

“If you are truly going to connect the unconnected …you need to make sure every single device on Earth works seamlessly with a satellite in orbit.”

– Dan Dooley, Lynk Global Chief Commercial Officer

That was once considered a wild idea, but today, it's the foundation of one of the fastest-moving innovations in telecom. In this episode, we speak with Dan Dooley, Chief Commercial Officer of Lynk Global, to explore how their “cell tower in space” technology is not just technically possible but already being deployed with mobile network operators worldwide from the remote plains of South Africa to the north of Canada to the isolated islands of Palau. Lynk is pioneering direct-to-device satellite connectivity that integrates effortlessly with existing mobile infrastructure - no new phones, apps, or hardware required.

We discuss how Lynk's regenerative payload design makes its satellites behave like roaming partners for MNOs, enabling easy network extension into hard-to-reach areas without additional ground infrastructure. From rural connectivity and disaster recovery to IoT and 2G sunset strategies, Dan breaks down why this is a transformational leap for mobile operators. Whether you're looking to reach new markets, improve service resilience, or unlock latent revenue from underutilized spectrum, this conversation shows why direct-to-device satellite is no longer the future—it’s the now.