MTN South Africa and American satellite provider Lynk Global have successfully completed Africa’s first mobile phone call via satellite, marking a significant step toward expanding telecom coverage in underserved and rural areas.
The milestone call took place in Vryburg, North West province, using a standard smartphone connected to a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite. The companies tested voice call quality and SMS capabilities, demonstrating how satellite technology could bridge connectivity gaps where traditional infrastructure is impractical.
MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi described the trial as part of ongoing efforts to extend network coverage beyond ground-based cell towers. He emphasized that leveraging satellite technology could help MTN achieve its goal of covering 99 percent of South Africa’s population with broadband access.
Lynk Global’s Chief Commercial Officer Dan Dooley highlighted the significance of the trial, noting that it was the first time an unmodified phone had been used for a satellite call in Africa. Regulatory approval for the test was secured from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), allowing the companies to operate on MTN’s licensed spectrum.
MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita previously stated that satellite partnerships were a key part of the company’s strategy to maintain seamless connectivity. The group has been exploring collaborations with Omnispace, OneWeb, Starlink, Lynk Global, and AST SpaceMobile to trial various satellite solutions.
The push for satellite-based mobile coverage is gaining momentum across Africa. Rival telecom operator Cell C is also exploring satellite partnerships, while Vodacom announced a collaboration with Amazon’s Project Kuiper LEO satellite network in 2023. Additionally, SpaceX’s Starlink recently completed its satellite direct-to-cell phone constellation, which aims to provide internet connectivity to unmodified mobile devices in remote regions.
As satellite technology becomes more integrated into mainstream telecom operations, GSMA Intelligence estimates that mobile operators in Sub-Saharan Africa could unlock a revenue opportunity of more than $30 billion by 2035.
