Lynk Global signed deals with multiple operators across seven Pacific and Caribbean island nations to use its satellite communications service, advancing preparations to light worldwide commercial services later this year.

The satellite company cited Telikom PNG in Papua New Guinea and bmobile in the Solomon Islands as among the list of new customers.

Lynk Global plans to use its low Earth orbit (LEO) fleet to supply connectivity direct to standard mobile phones.

It noted an acceleration in contract signings after a series of natural disasters in Tonga caused a huge communications outage.

Lynk Global is targeting operators in difficult-to-connect areas including island nations, where it noted a combination of high tower construction costs and exposure to harsh maritime environments can make providing traditional connectivity difficult and expensive.

Pointing to issues in the Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Lynk Global added both featured primarily non-urban populations spread across the islands, with many having limited connectivity options currently.

Lynk Global also provides emergency alert SMS services and automatic back-ups in the event of natural disasters.

In its statement on the deals, Lynk Global CEO Charles Miller highlighted potential safety ramifications resulting from “0G, that is lack of any coverage”.

“The recent Tonga disaster shows just how important connectivity is for people’s health and safety”, Miller added, asserting Lynk Global “is solving the 0G problem in seven island nations” and will “provide the ultimate safety net that ensures everyone, everywhere in the world can access mobile connectivity, no matter what happens”.