Pan-African telecommunications giant, MTN Group, is engaged in discussions with several satellite service providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, to expand its services in underserved areas across its operating markets. The company has confirmed ongoing talks with SpaceX’s Starlink, with enterprise-grade trials currently underway in Rwanda and Nigeria.
MTN is also exploring multiple initiatives, including direct-to-cell trials with Lynk Global in South Africa and Ghana. Discussions are in progress with AST SpaceMobile for trials in Nigeria and South Sudan, and parallel talks are advancing with Eutelsat OneWeb for a planned pilot in South Africa.
In an official statement, Mazen Mroué, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, announced these strategic partnerships, emphasizing the company’s commitment to its Ambition 2025 strategic intent of “Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.” Mroué highlighted the urgency of the initiative, recognizing the importance of partnerships in bridging coverage gaps in rural areas and deploying new technology.
MTN aims to leverage low earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to extend mobile connectivity to rural and remote areas, connecting the unconnected and enhancing overall resilience. The company’s goal is to achieve 95% broadband population coverage across its footprint by 2025, up from 88% in 2022, with the longer-term vision of achieving universal access.
Mroué emphasized the advantages of LEO satellites, including shorter orbital periods and lower latency, crucial for real-time communication, video conferencing, and online gaming. The lower cost of launching payloads into space has further increased the attractiveness of using LEO satellites.
Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, officially entered Nigeria in January, gaining popularity despite hardware and subscription costs. The collaboration with MTN is expected to address affordability challenges, providing cheaper internet access for many Nigerians in rural and unserved areas. MTN’s strategic partnerships aim to revolutionize connectivity in Africa and contribute to the company’s ambitious digital solutions agenda.
