Vodafone, in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, the only company to have built the world's first broadband cellular network in space, announces the launch of the first phase of its space-based mobile communications service in Africa in 2023.
The British telecoms group unveiled on Wednesday 16 December that this technology will allow people to access communications directly, regardless of where they live on the continent, without the need for a specific telephone or satellite antenna.
During this first phase, AST SpaceMobile will use 20 satellites to offer seamless and low-latency mobile connectivity to about 1.6 billion people; while Vodafone will integrate the new service into its brands such as Vodacom in DR Congo, Tanzania, and Mozambique, and Safaricom in Kenya as well as Vodafone in Ghana.
Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, explained that “Providing affordable mobile coverage for everyone requires a blend of technologies and infrastructure, from traditional masts to small cells, balloons, and satellites at the edge of space.”
“While we have been adding deep rural network sites to connect remote communities without any coverage, the lack of power in some areas creates insurmountable obstacles. AST SpaceMobile will ensure that remote communities in many sub-Saharan African countries can have access to the latest digital services,” he added.
Lebara Group is now bringing its affordable and reliable mobile services to Africa, starting with Ni...
Transport and food prices have been climbing steadily across Africa in recent years. In Côte d’Ivoir...
• BOAD releases CFA10 billion ($17.8 million) to support Boungou and Wahgnion gold mines.• Burkina F...
In a West African financial landscape marked by tighter regulation of the fintech sector, digital fi...
• Maritime sector faces renewed risks amid military tensions in the Middle East• Blockade fears at S...
• South Sudan initiates a $58 million, four-year project to transform basic education nationwide.• The program aims to directly benefit over 300,000...
• Cape Verde reclassified as an upper-middle-income country due to a 16.8% rise in GNI per capita.• Namibia downgraded to lower-middle-income after a...
• Ivory Coast grants two new four-year gold exploration permits to Global Industries Sarl and Rampage Exploration Sarl.• National gold production reached...
• Global coffee consumption projected to hit a record 169.4 million 60-kg bags in 2025/2026, up from 166.5 million in 2024/2025.• China’s coffee demand...
The Gerewol tradition is a fascinating ritual celebrated by the Bororo Fulani, a nomadic community primarily located in Chad and Niger. This annual...
In northern Ethiopia, in the Tigray region, lies Axum (also spelled Aksum), an ancient city that once stood at the heart of one of Africa’s most powerful...