On Thursday, MTN South Africa and Lynk Global announced the completion of Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call. The groundbreaking trial took place in Vryburg, a small agricultural town in the North West province of South Africa. This milestone marks a significant step toward addressing connectivity challenges in underserved and remote African areas.
The trial utilised low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to test voice call quality and SMS capabilities using a standard, unmodified mobile device.
“The technical trial was part of our work to find potential solutions to the challenges of providing coverage in underserviced, rural and remote areas,” said Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa. He emphasised that this proof-of-concept demonstrated how MTN’s ground-based cell towers could be complemented by LEO satellites to expand coverage.
Dan Dooley, Lynk Global’s chief commercial officer, highlighted the technology’s universal compatibility: “Importantly, this technology is device-agnostic, ensuring compatibility with existing mobile units and requiring no special modifications.” The trial was conducted after receiving approval from South Africa’s telecom regulator, ICASA, to use radio frequencies on MTN’s licensed spectrum for the test duration.
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MTN pursues LEO satellite partnerships to enhance network reach
Low-earth orbit satellites are increasingly being explored as a viable option for providing high-speed internet and mobile connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy.
MTN Group has been actively pursuing partnerships with satellite providers since 2024, aiming to integrate LEO technology into its broader network strategy.
Molapisi noted that leveraging satellite partnerships could help MTN achieve its ambitious goal of 99% broadband population coverage. “The implications of potentially leveraging satellite partnerships will not only help MTN achieve its goal but, most importantly, benefit all South Africans,” he stated during the announcement.
This achievement also positions MTN as a leader in satellite-enabled mobile services on the continent. Competitors like Vodacom and Cell C are exploring satellite partnerships to enhance connectivity offerings. Vodacom previously announced its collaboration with Amazon’s Project Kuiper LEO satellites in 2023.
The successful trial underscores the potential of satellite technology to bridge digital divides and provide reliable connectivity to remote areas, paving the way for broader adoption across Africa.