MTN South Africa and Lynk Global successfully made Africa’s first phone call via satellite, marking a potential breakthrough for rural telecom coverage.
Why it matters
The test demonstrates how satellite connectivity—especially low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites—can bridge coverage gaps in underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is costly or impractical.
Driving the news
- The call took place in Vryburg, North West province, using a standard smartphone connected to an LEO satellite.
- MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi said the trial was part of efforts to expand coverage in remote areas.
- The test was conducted with approval from South Africa’s telecom regulator, ICASA.
The big picture
- MTN has been exploring satellite partnerships, including collaborations with Omnispace, OneWeb, Starlink, and AST SpaceMobile.
- Competitors like Vodacom and Cell C are also pursuing satellite connectivity, with Vodacom partnering with Amazon’s Project Kuiper in 2023.
- SpaceX’s Starlink recently announced its direct-to-cell service, allowing standard phones to connect to satellites.
What’s next
If satellite connectivity becomes mainstream, telcos across Sub-Saharan Africa could tap into a $30 billion market opportunity by 2035, according to GSMA Intelligence.
Source: Business Day
