(Ecofin Agency) - Africa has long struggled with limited mobile network coverage, especially in remote areas where traditional cell towers are costly and difficult to deploy. Satellite-to-mobile technology could play a pivotal role in achieving universal digital access, fostering economic growth and social development.

MTN South Africa and satellite provider Lynk Global have successfully conducted a satellite-to-mobile phone call, the companies said on Thursday, March 27. This marks a major step toward expanding connectivity in remote areas.

The test, conducted in Vryburg, North West province, assessed voice call quality and SMS capabilities over a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connection, MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi said. The trial demonstrates the potential of LEO satellites to complement MTN’s ground-based towers and brings the company closer to achieving its “goal of 99% broadband population coverage,” he added.

The trial, approved by South Africa’s telecom regulator ICASA, used radio frequencies on MTN’s IMT spectrum. It is part of efforts to expand mobile coverage to underserved regions and improve emergency communication services.

LEO satellites orbit at 160 km to 2,000 km, providing low-latency connections suitable for real-time communication. Unlike traditional satellite services, LEO-based connectivity does not require specialized devices and works with standard mobile phones. It can deliver coverage directly to standard mobile devices without the need for additional hardware. This allows for cost-effective, widespread connectivity, particularly in sparsely populated regions.

“This marks the first satellite-to-unmodified-mobile phone call in Africa,” said Dan Dooley, Chief Commercial Officer at Lynk Global. It reinforces the ability of Lynk’s technology to ensure connectivity anywhere, even in areas lacking traditional infrastructure.

Despite being one of Africa’s most developed economies, South Africa still struggles with network coverage gaps, particularly in rural provinces like the Northern Cape, which, according to ICASA’s March 2024 ICT Sector Report, remains behind other regions in connectivity. Initiatives like satellite-to-mobile technology could provide a viable solution, reducing infrastructure costs and accelerating universal coverage.

MTN South Africa’s successful satellite-to-mobile phone call with Lynk Global marks a significant breakthrough in expanding connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved regions. This innovation has the potential to bridge Africa’s digital divide, improve emergency communication, and enhance economic opportunities for millions.

Hikmatu Bilali