Direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite network providers are a topic of continuing conversation between Vodacom and MTN, and preliminary testing of this next generation of connectivity has yielded positive outcomes.

D2C enables standard 4G and 5G devices to make calls, send SMSs, and access mobile data in places without mobile towers by using low-earth orbit satellite networks with specialist antennas.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, positioned 500-2,000 km above Earth’s surface, offer connectivity to virtually anywhere on Earth. These networks consist of hundreds of satellites, providing closer proximity to Earth than older geosynchronous satellites.

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Satellites’ shorter orbit from Earth allows better speeds and bandwidth, offering coverage in remote locations. SpaceX’s Starlink, with 100 V2 satellites with D2C capability, successfully performed its first video call using unmodified phones in May 2024. Starlink plans to provide D2C roaming services through T-Mobile in 2025, starting with text messaging.

Starlink has partnered with other significant operators to provide D2C in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, Chile, and Peru.

Improved Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity is something that D2C promises, which might be advantageous for the energy, maritime, agricultural, automotive, and environmental sectors.

Vodacom confirms partnership

Vodafone, the parent company of Vodacom, was among the first in Africa to implement D2C, collaborating with AST SpaceMobile to overcome its connectivity gaps.

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile used AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 test satellite and an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone to complete the first-ever space-based 5G voice conversation in September 2023.

According to a Vodacom representative, the operator is still collaborating with AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone to offer D2C to its users.

AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone downloaded around 14Mbps this year, shattering their previous record for the fastest space-based cellular broadband data session. This was one significant development.

More people enjoy internet service in rural areas

“This new technology has the potential to connect millions of people in the remotest regions to the internet for the first time, as it can provide mobile broadband connectivity to standard, unmodified mobile devices across the continent,” Vodacom stated.

Vodacom stated that it was willing to explore any strategic alliances to meet its target of connecting 100 million additional people over the next four years.

Vodacom and Vodafone have also teamed up with Amazon’s LEO service, Project Kuiper, to increase the coverage of their 4G and 5G networks in Africa and Europe.

After Amazon’s production satellites are operational, Vodacom plans to deploy Project Kuiper in Europe and Africa. The first launch window was initially scheduled for late 2024, but Amazon has rescheduled it for early 2025. The network aims to compete with Starlink in terms of broadband.

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MTN in discussions with multiple LEO satellite providers

In a recent response to the media, MTN Group stated that it was still actively engaged in D2C business and looked into possible collaborations when permitted by law.

According to the operator, it is steadily moving forward with different suppliers in its African markets, and several of these engagements are currently in advanced phases.

MTN stated, “We are still dedicated to advancing direct-to-cell roaming capabilities in markets where it is practical.”
Regarding D2C potential, the company is discussing with multiple LEO satellite providers, such as Starlink, AST Spacemobile, Lynk, and Omnispace.

It also investigated the use of carrier backhaul services via Eutelsat, Amazon, and Starlink. The operator stated, “Our focus is leveraging multiple partnerships to enhance connectivity.”

“MTN embraces a multivendor strategy for LEO satellite alliances, acknowledging the sector’s evolving character.”