Telecoms giant, MTN is in discussions with various satellite service providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, to broaden its service reach in regions lacking adequate connectivity.
The company is actively engaged in trials with SpaceX’s Starlink in Rwanda and Nigeria, alongside collaborations with Lynk Global, AST SpaceMobile, Eutelsat OneWeb, and other entities across different African nations.
MTN’s strategic objective revolves around addressing coverage gaps in remote and rural areas.
Their focus lies in exploring satellite connectivity options, especially low earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, to enhance mobile connectivity and bolster resilience.
Partnering with satellite service providers aligns with MTN’s target of achieving 95% broadband population coverage across its operational footprint by 2025, aiming ultimately for universal access.
The Chief Technology and Information Officer at MTN emphasized the advantages of LEO satellites, citing their shorter orbital periods, lower latency, and reduced launch costs. These factors make them an attractive choice for swift data communication and real-time applications.
While Starlink has expanded its presence in Nigeria, the cost of hardware and subscriptions remains a hurdle for rural residents.
MTN’s collaboration with Starlink seeks to address this challenge by striving to make internet access more affordable and accessible to underserved communities in Nigeria.
