Mauritania launched an international tender to award satellite communications licenses to expand internet access.

About 63% of the population did not use the internet in 2023, despite near-universal 2G coverage.

Authorities plan to allow GEO satellite operators first, while LEO providers like Starlink target entry in 2026.

Mauritania has turned to satellite connectivity to expand internet access nationwide. The national regulator, the Regulatory Authority (ARE), announced on Thursday, January 22, the launch of an international tender to award licenses for the provision of mobile satellite electronic communications services and/or the sale of satellite capacity.

The telecom regulator plans to award two license packages. The first package targets companies operating exclusively geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite systems to provide direct retail services to the public. The second package covers the sale of satellite capacity to operators or public and private entities without direct service provision to end users.

This initiative comes as more African countries explore satellite technologies to reduce the digital divide. The GSMA said aerial connectivity solutions, including satellite, would play a key role in achieving universal connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa.

“The region hosts some of the most challenging terrain for terrestrial networks, including rainforests, deserts and mountain ranges. Even in rural and sparsely populated areas, the cost and complexity of deploying traditional mobile or fixed networks support the case for alternative connectivity solutions,” the association said in its report The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2024.

According to ITU data, 2G network coverage reached 97% of Mauritania’s population in 2023. However, 3G and 4G networks covered only 43.9% and 34.7% of the population, respectively, in 2022. In terms of usage, internet penetration stood at 37.4% of the population in 2023. The internet market currently remains dominated by telecom operators Chinguitel, Mattel and Moov Mauritel.

At the same time, Mauritanian authorities continue to exert pressure on telecom operators to ensure acceptable service quality and expanded coverage, particularly along major road corridors, in line with licensing obligations. Regulators regularly impose enforcement measures, including formal notices and sanctions, on operators that fail to comply.

At this stage, the regulator does not authorize low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service providers to offer direct services to the public. However, these players continue to gain momentum across the continent, with companies such as Starlink and Amazon, although Amazon has yet to launch commercial services. These operators may apply for the required authorizations in due course. Starlink, for example, plans to launch services in Mauritania in 2026.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A. de BERRY QUENUM