{"id":12000,"date":"2023-12-19T09:59:38","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T09:59:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/?p=12000"},"modified":"2023-12-19T09:59:38","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T09:59:38","slug":"mtn-explores-satellite-partnerships-to-drive-digital-inclusion-in-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/2023\/12\/19\/mtn-explores-satellite-partnerships-to-drive-digital-inclusion-in-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"MTN Explores Satellite Partnerships to Drive Digital Inclusion in Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

In an effort to boost digital inclusion across Africa, MTN, a prominent telecommunications company, is actively forming key alliances with satellite providers. The goal is to expand internet access to remote and underserved areas, with MTN viewing fundamental internet connectivity as the entry point to the digital realm. The objective is to bring about positive transformations in lives, bolster business opportunities, and contribute to overall societal sustainability.<\/p>\n

The GSMA’s recent report indicates a narrowing coverage gap in sub-Saharan Africa, reducing from 50% in 2014 to 17% in 2022. While this progress is commendable, MTN is committed to reaching the remaining 17%, particularly those residing in far-flung areas where internet access remains a challenge.<\/p>\n

As part of its Ambition 2025 strategic intent of “Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress,” MTN acknowledges that achieving universal access requires collaborative efforts. The company has successfully partnered with various rollout partners and deployed OpenRAN technology to narrow coverage gaps in rural areas. Now, it is turning to the skies, exploring low earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity as a means to connect the unconnected and bolster resilience.<\/p>\n

The advantages of LEO satellites, orbiting the Earth at altitudes between 160 and 2,000 km, include shorter orbital periods and lower latency. This makes LEO satellites ideal for applications requiring rapid data communication and frequent re-visits to specific areas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

MTN is actively pursuing two distinct LEO-based solutions to enhance internet connectivity. The first involves direct-to-cellular technology, expanding network access in traditionally underserved areas and ensuring compatibility with existing mobile devices. The second solution utilizes LEO satellites to provide critical fixed connectivity for enterprises and efficient backhaul connectivity for MTN cellular sites in remote locations, offering a cost-effective alternative.<\/p>\n

Numerous initiatives are underway, including trials with partners like Lynk Global, AST SpaceMobile, SpaceX’s Starlink, and Eutelsat OneWeb. Financial arrangements for these collaborations involve case-by-case negotiations, often incorporating revenue-sharing agreements.<\/p>\n

Additionally, MTN highlights that each collaboration, trial, and commercial deployment is a significant stride toward bridging the digital divide. A recent proof-of-concept trial in Liberia with Lynk Global demonstrated the transformative potential of connecting directly to a satellite mobile base station in orbit.<\/p>\n

While embracing the possibilities of LEO satellites, MTN acknowledges the ongoing need to make affordable 4G devices accessible. Through exploration of innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, MTN aims to create an “always-on” future, making connected living accessible to all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In an effort to boost digital inclusion across Africa, MTN, a prominent telecommunications company, is actively forming key alliances with satellite providers. The goal is to expand internet access to remote and underserved areas, with MTN viewing fundamental internet connectivity as the entry point to the digital realm. The objective is to bring about positive […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":12001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[180],"tags":[291],"class_list":["post-12000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology","tag-technology"],"aioseo_notices":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12000","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12000"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12000\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12010,"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12000\/revisions\/12010"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12000"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12000"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abujacityjournal.com\/livenews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12000"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}