MTN Group and Vodacom are reportedly testing direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite connectivity to improve their services across Africa.
The two telecoms giants are investigating using low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to plug coverage gaps.
The technology’s primary value is in remote areas where terrestrial tower rollouts are not financially or operationally feasible.
While geostationary (GEO) satellites have been used for call, text, and Internet-based communications for decades, their networks require expensive satellite phones with bulky antennas to function.
In addition, the high altitude at which GEO satellites orbit makes them unsuitable for regular cellular connectivity.
The great distance pushes latency to around 600ms or more, making delay-sensitive applications like voice and video calling challenging.
LEO satellites orbit at much lower altitudes and in denser fleets. They can support lower latency and greater bandwidth.
However, to be supported on regular smartphones, LEO services must use compatible radiofrequency spectrum, which is generally licensed to mobile networks.
SpaceX’s Starlink is the most well-known and established LEO operator. It is also the only company that has launched a commercial D2C offering.
With its own rocket launch capability, the company has put over 400 D2C-supporting satellites into orbit.
The service went live in the United States and New Zealand in recent months through partnerships with T-Mobile and One NZ, respectively.
Customers on these networks can roam on Starlink’s D2C satellite service wherever towers are not available.
The connectivity could also be used for emergency communication when storms or flooding disrupt terrestrial networks.
The network initially only supports SMS texting, but will add calling and online services in the near future.
The company plans to expand the service to Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Peru, and Ukraine by the end of 2025.
While Starlink is certainly the biggest name in town, several other international firms are also trying to partner with mobile networks to sell their D2C services.
