Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite (IMAGE CREDIT: space.com)
The news
- MTN South Africa and Lynk Global conducted Africa’s first satellite phone call using a standard smartphone in Vryburg, North West province.
- The trial demonstrated the potential to extend mobile coverage to underserved and rural areas lacking traditional infrastructure.
- The trial demonstrated the potential to extend mobile coverage to underserved and rural areas lacking traditional infrastructure.
In a groundbreaking trial, MTN South Africa, in collaboration with American satellite provider Lynk Global, completed Africa’s first satellite phone call using a standard smartphone. The call took place in Vryburg, a town in South Africa’s North West province, and marks a significant advancement in efforts to bridge the connectivity gap in underserved and rural areas.
The technical trial assessed voice call quality and SMS capabilities over a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connection. Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, emphasised that this initiative is part of MTN’s strategy to find viable solutions for extending coverage to regions where traditional terrestrial infrastructure is challenging to deploy.
LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth compared to traditional geostationary satellites, enabling lower latency and higher-speed internet services. This technology presents a promising avenue for delivering reliable connectivity to remote communities across Africa, where geographical barriers and infrastructure limitations have historically impeded access. To solve this problem, MTN Group has been exploring partnerships with global satellite communication companies, including OneWeb, Starlink, Lynk Global, and AST SpaceMobile.
MTN’s exploration of satellite technology aligns with broader industry trends. Competitors like Vodacom have partnered with satellite initiatives like Amazon’s Project Kuiper to enhance service delivery in hard-to-reach areas. Other African telecom operators are also seeking collaborations with satellite providers to expand their coverage footprints.
Regulatory considerations remain pivotal in the deployment of satellite communication services. MTN and Lynk Global obtained approval from South Africa’s telecoms regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), to utilise an MTN-licensed spectrum for their trial. As satellite technology becomes more integrated into the telecommunications landscape, ongoing dialogue with regulatory bodies will be essential to ensure compliance and equitable access.
The successful trial by MTN and Lynk Global not only showcases the technical feasibility of satellite-enabled mobile communication in Africa but also underscores the potential for such innovations to drive digital inclusion. By leveraging satellite technology, mobile operators can extend their reach, offering vital communication services to communities previously left on the fringes of the digital revolution.
