Telecom

MTN, Lynk Global Test Satellite-to-Mobile Phone Call in South Africa

MTN, Lynk Global Test Satellite-to-Mobile Phone Call in South Africa
Friday, 28 March 2025 03:32

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

On the same topic
Local firms deliver digital solutions for transport, health, and territorial admin. Systems include biometric licenses, hospital records, and local...
Cameroon invested $45.2-54.2 million in fiber optic infrastructure, but it remains largely underutilized. Consumers continue to report...
Mauritania warns three telecoms over poor service in 62 locations Demands compliance in 30 days or face new sanctions Operators previously...
AXIAN and four VCs poured €3M into Nucleon to expand AI cyber-defenses across Africa. Nucleon’s self-learning Zero-Trust platform already...
Most Read
01

From Dakar to Nairobi, Kampala to Abidjan, mobile money has become a lifeline for millions of Africa...

Africa's Boundless Future: How a simple mobile phone became a pocket bank for millions
02

• WAEMU posts 0.9% deflation in July, second month in a row• Food, hospitality prices drop; alcohol,...

WAEMU Region Records Second Straight Month of Deflation, at -0.9% in July 
03

Airtel Gabon, Moov sign deal to share telecom infrastructure Agreement aims to cut costs, boo...

Gabon’s Airtel, Moov to Share Towers Under Govt-Brokered Deal
04

Vision Invest invests $700m in Arise IIP, Africa’s largest private infrastructure deal in 202...

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Shopping List Now Includes Industrial Parks in Africa — With a $700 Million Entry Ticket
05

Even though it remains the smallest "crypto-economy" in the world, sub-Saharan Africa shows that vir...

Sub-Saharan Africa Crypto Transactions Up 52% to $205B on Inflation, Inclusion Push
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.