MTN, the Pan-African telecommunications giant, has revealed ongoing talks with various satellite service providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, as part of its initiative to extend services to underserved areas across its operational markets.
The company disclosed an active engagement with SpaceX’s Starlink, conducting enterprise-grade trials in both Rwanda and Nigeria. Additionally, MTN is pushing forward multiple initiatives, including upcoming direct-to-cell trials with Lynk Global in South Africa and Ghana. Discussions are also underway with providers like AST SpaceMobile for trials in Nigeria and South Sudan, and with Eutelsat OneWeb for a planned pilot in South Africa.
MTN Group’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, Mazen Mroué, emphasized the significance of partnerships in achieving the company’s strategic intent of “Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress,” as outlined in their Ambition 2025 plan.
Mroué stated, “To complement our terrestrial network, we are now exploring the skies, partnering for low earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to connect the unconnected, extend mobile connectivity to more rural and remote areas, and improve resilience.”
The strategic partnerships aim to bridge coverage gaps in challenging terrains where traditional cellular rollout might be economically unfeasible. The collaboration with satellite services aligns with MTN’s goal to achieve 95% broadband population coverage across its footprint by 2025, up from 88% in 2022, with the ultimate objective of universal access.
Highlighting the advantages of LEO satellites, Mroué noted their shorter orbital periods, contributing to rapid data communication and frequent re-visits of specific areas. Lower signal travel times lead to reduced latency, crucial for real-time communication, video conferencing, and online gaming. The cost-effectiveness of launching payloads into space further enhances the appeal of LEO satellites.
Starlink, which officially entered Nigeria in January, has garnered attention for its satellite internet service. However, the high costs associated with hardware and subscriptions have limited accessibility, particularly in rural areas. The collaboration with MTN is anticipated to address this challenge, providing more affordable internet access for a broader segment of the Nigerian population.
