The tests, conducted with Lynk Global in North West province, demonstrated that standard mobile phones could access satellite networks without specialized equipment.
The initiative addresses a persistent challenge across sub-Saharan Africa, where 600 million people remain offline despite widespread mobile coverage. According to GSMA data, while 90% of the region’s population lives within mobile broadband coverage areas, only 27% actively use internet services. The gap is particularly acute in rural regions, where infrastructure limitations and economic barriers hinder connectivity.
MTN’s Chief Technology Officer, Mazen Mroué, explained the technology’s significance. “Low-Earth orbit satellites can complement traditional networks in areas where building towers isn’t viable,” he said. The system operates through satellites positioned much closer to Earth than conventional models, enabling connectivity.
The South African trial follows a similar test in Liberia last year, both aimed at developing solutions for hard-to-reach communities. MTN plans to expand the technology across its 19
African markets as part of its goal to achieve near-universal broadband coverage.
However, connectivity remains just one piece of the puzzle. Industry analysts note that device affordability and digital literacy present equally significant barriers. Smartphone adoption in sub-Saharan Africa stands at just 51%, with many users relying on feature phones. Data costs, while declining, still consume about 5% of average monthly incomes in the region.
The satellite initiative also promises to enhance network resilience during natural disasters. During recent cyclones in southern Africa, widespread damage to terrestrial infrastructure left millions without communication for days. Satellite redundancy could maintain critical connectivity in such emergencies.
Regulatory challenges remain before widespread deployment. MTN is currently in discussions with telecommunications authorities across Africa to establish frameworks for satellite-integrated mobile services. The company anticipates commercial rollout could begin within two years.
The push for universal connectivity comes as digital access becomes increasingly tied to economic participation. A World Bank study estimates that a 10% increase in internet penetration could boost GDP by up to 2.5% in developing economies. For rural farmers, students, and small businesses, reliable connectivity could mean access to markets, education, and financial services previously out of reach.
Africa’s connectivity landscape presents a paradox of progress and exclusion. While urban centers see rapid 5G deployment, rural areas often lack basic 2G service. This technological bifurcation risks deepening existing inequalities as essential services increasingly move online.
MTN’s satellite trials represent an innovative approach to this challenge, but history cautions against technological silver bullets. Previous efforts to bridge the digital divide through undersea cables and rural towers often stumbled on last-mile implementation and affordability issues. The true test will be whether satellite solutions can overcome these persistent barriers at scale.
The economic case for connectivity is clear, but the path forward requires coordinated action across multiple fronts. Device manufacturers must develop more affordable options, governments need to implement supportive policies, and digital literacy programs require expansion. As mobile networks evolve into hybrid terrestrial-satellite systems, maintaining focus on end-user needs and affordability will determine whether this technological leap truly connects the unconnected.
For now, the successful tests in Liberia and South Africa offer cautious optimism. In a continent where geography and economics have long dictated digital access, satellite technology may finally begin to rewrite the rules of connectivity.
Source: News Ghana
