Key Developments
MTN and Lynk Global Make Africa’s First Satellite Phone Call Using a Regular Smartphone
MTN South Africa, together with American satellite company Lynk Global, has successfully carried out Africa’s first satellite phone call using a regular smartphone.
The historic call was made in Vryburg, a town in South Africa’s North West province.
This test is a major step toward connecting rural and remote communities that don’t have traditional mobile infrastructure.
This test is a major step toward connecting rural and remote communities that don’t have traditional mobile infrastructure.
The trial showed that satellite technology can help bring mobile services to areas that have been hard to reach in the past.
The test focused on checking voice call quality and SMS services using a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
The test focused on checking voice call quality and SMS services using a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
These satellites travel much closer to Earth than regular satellites, which allows for faster and more reliable connections.
Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, said the project is part of MTN’s ongoing effort to find practical ways to expand coverage to areas where building normal cellphone towers is difficult or expensive.
MTN is not alone in this effort. The company has been exploring satellite partnerships with global providers like OneWeb, Starlink, AST SpaceMobile, and Lynk Global.
Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, said the project is part of MTN’s ongoing effort to find practical ways to expand coverage to areas where building normal cellphone towers is difficult or expensive.
MTN is not alone in this effort. The company has been exploring satellite partnerships with global providers like OneWeb, Starlink, AST SpaceMobile, and Lynk Global.
Other telecom companies in Africa, including Vodacom, are also working with satellite firms—such as Amazon’s Project Kuiper—to reach users in remote regions.
Before launching the trial, MTN and Lynk Global got permission from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to use MTN’s licensed spectrum.
This successful trial proves that satellite-powered mobile services can work in Africa. More importantly, it offers hope for millions of people in remote areas to finally get connected to the digital world.
Before launching the trial, MTN and Lynk Global got permission from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to use MTN’s licensed spectrum.
This successful trial proves that satellite-powered mobile services can work in Africa. More importantly, it offers hope for millions of people in remote areas to finally get connected to the digital world.
Related Articles
Register Now
Empower Africa Times Newsletter
Share :
You may also like...
Lapaire Secures Funding from AfricInvest and Proparco to Expand Optical Care Across Africa
Lapaire, a fast-growing African eyewear startup, has secured significant financial backing from AfricInvest and Proparco to expand its optical care services across the continent.
October 18, 2024
Ghanaian Agritech 3Farmate Robotics Secures Funding to Drive AI-Powered Agricultural Revolution
Ghanaian agritech trailblazer 3Farmate Robotics has secured an undisclosed amount in angel investment to fuel the expansion of its precision AI-powered electric robots.
December 11, 2023
African Pre-Seed Investor Madica Announces Funding for Three Startups
Madica, an African-focused investment program targeting early-stage startups, revealed its inaugural investments in three promising companies: Kola Market (Ghana), GoBEBA (Kenya), and NewForm Foods (South Africa).
April 29, 2024