Grace Ashiru
MTN Group has initiated a series of satellite trials across Africa, collaborating with partners such as Starlink, AST SpaceMobile, and Lynk Global to explore the viability of various satellite broadband connectivity options on the continent.
The telecommunications company is actively engaged in direct-to-cellular and backhaul connectivity trials, partnering with low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service providers, including Starlink and AST SpaceMobile. MTN Group’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, Mezan Mroué, highlighted ongoing trials with Lynk Global in South Africa and Ghana and discussions with AST SpaceMobile for potential trials in Nigeria and South Sudan. Additionally, enterprise-grade trials with SpaceX’s Starlink are in progress in Rwanda and Nigeria, while discussions are underway with Eutelsat OneWeb for a planned pilot in South Africa.
MTN Group’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, Mezan Mroué, revealed many initiatives in progress. Notably, upcoming direct-to-cell trials are scheduled with Lynk Global in South Africa and Ghana. Discussions are also in motion for trials in Nigeria and South Sudan with AST SpaceMobile. Simultaneously, enterprise-grade trials with SpaceX’s Starlink are underway in Rwanda and Nigeria, while parallel discussions with Eutelsat OneWeb are advancing for a planned pilot in South Africa, as highlighted by Mroué.
Starlink has not initiated operations in South Africa, making a partnership currently unfeasible. Speculation surrounds SpaceX’s hesitation to enter the local market, with factors such as licensing conditions for black economic empowerment cited. However, the company has not officially commented on this matter.
Mobile operators often utilize geostationary satellites for backhaul connectivity. However, the considerable distance of these satellites from Earth (approximately 35,000 km) results in increased latency and higher power requirements for signal transmission. In contrast, direct-to-mobile connectivity aims to link remote subscribers via satellite without requiring them to switch their mobile devices. Vodacom Group CTO Dejan Kastelic recently emphasized the transformative potential of direct-to-mobile satellite connectivity, labeling it a “game changer” for the mobile telecommunications industry. Kastelic noted an ongoing race among providers to be the first to offer this innovative connectivity solution.
Vodacom adopts a dual strategy mirroring MTN’s approach. In the realm of backhaul connectivity, Vodacom has aligned with Project Kuiper, owned by Amazon. Simultaneously, Vodacom’s parent company, the Vodafone Group, showcases confidence in direct-to-mobile solutions through its 5% stake in AST SpaceMobile.
On a parallel track, MTN explores the utilization of satellites for linking remote internet-of-things devices to its network. The mobile operator collaborates with Omnispace, a Washington-based company founded in 2012, recognized for its advancements in space-based IoT networks and 5G.
MTN and Omnispace are set to collaborate to integrate MTN’s land-based mobile networks with Omnispace’s non-terrestrial network, utilizing 3GPP standards to support consumer mobile and enterprise IoT services. The collaboration also includes exploring opportunities for joint efforts in fostering the growth of a diverse ecosystem comprising devices and software. According to Mroué, these partnerships typically involve a shared revenue model, with specific terms negotiated individually for each agreement, especially with satellite service providers.
Mroué emphasized that while satellite connectivity holds the promise of broader coverage, the continent’s connectivity rates will likely remain low without increased penetration of smart devices. He highlighted the importance of recognizing that despite the enthusiasm for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the predominant technology offered by most LEO providers will be 4G. Mroué stressed the ongoing need to make affordable 4G devices accessible to customers.
