MTN Explores Partnership with Starlink to Boost Connectivity in Africa

Mubashir Shehu

10 months ago

MTN Explores Partnership with Starlink to Boost Connectivity in Africa

In a strategic move to extend its services to underserved areas across its operating markets, pan-African telecommunications group MTN is actively engaging with various satellite service providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink. The company has initiated enterprise-grade trials with Starlink in Rwanda and Nigeria, and further trials with Lynk Global in South Africa and Ghana are on the horizon. MTN is also exploring partnerships with AST SpaceMobile for trials in Nigeria and South Sudan and discussions with Eutelsat OneWeb for a planned pilot in South Africa.

Mazen Mroué, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering a modern connected life to everyone, stating, “Partnerships are essential,” especially in their pursuit of the Ambition 2025 strategic intent of “Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.” Mroué highlighted that, to complement their terrestrial network, they are now exploring low earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to connect the unconnected, extend mobile connectivity to rural and remote areas, and improve resilience.

These partnerships align with MTN’s goal to achieve 95% broadband population coverage across its footprint by 2025, up from 88% in 2022. Mroué emphasized that, in the longer term, the company aims for universal access. LEO satellites, which operate at altitudes of 160 to 2,000 km, offer advantages such as shorter orbital periods and lower latency, making them ideal for applications requiring rapid data communication.

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, officially entered Nigeria in January, gaining popularity despite its high costs. However, MTN’s collaboration with Starlink is anticipated to address this issue and provide more affordable internet access to rural areas, aligning with MTN’s broader connectivity goals.

For more details on this development, you can refer to the original article on Nairametrics.

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