A Glimpse into the Future: MTN Group and Lynk Global Connect Africa through the Sky

In a first for Africa, MTN Group’s South African branch and the innovative U.S.-based low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider, Lynk Global, have accomplished something truly remarkable. The two companies made history on a typical Thursday, the 27th of March, 2025, by successfully initiating a phone call via satellite. Can you imagine the possibilities that arise from such a technological leap? This achievement not only pushes the boundaries of communication but also offers a beacon of hope for reaching the most isolated corners of the continent.

2025 is shaping up to be a year of rapid technological advancements. As of now, there is a lively race among mobile operators and smartphone manufacturers to broaden their network reach. The stakes are high, and understandably so! The potential winner isn’t determined merely by expanding ground-based infrastructure but by exploring the skies. Here is where satellite technology, sleek yet powerful, enters the scene. Could it finally bridge the stubborn gap that has left many rural and underserved areas in the communication shadows?

Drawing on this visionary approach, the milestone call took place in Vryburg, nestled in South Africa’s beautiful North West province. But this was more than just an ordinary phone call; it was a comprehensive technical trial. This trial served as an assessment platform for MTN South Africa and Lynk Global to evaluate both the voice-call quality and SMS capabilities offered by their novel LEO satellite connection. The story was covered in Reuters, claiming its place in the annals of telecommunications history.

On the heels of this unprecedented achievement, Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, expressed the significance of the trial with palpable enthusiasm. “The technical trial was part of our work to find potential solutions to the challenges of providing coverage in underserved, rural, and remote areas,” remarked Molapisi. Sometimes, it takes a giant leap forward to connect the dots in humanity’s vast network.

With this trial, MTN demonstrated its formidable capabilities to supplement its existing cell towers and infrastructure with pioneering LEO satellite technology. Such advancements promise to redefine how we perceive connectivity, especially in places once deemed unreachable. Imagine a farmer in a remote village being able to make a call as easily as if they were in the heart of Johannesburg. Isn’t that the epitome of progress?

Of course, such endeavors are not without oversight. Approval was obtained from South Africa’s diligent telecoms regulator, ICASA, allowing the use of radio frequencies on MTN-licensed spectrum for the trial. While details about future steps remain under wraps, one thing is certain: the pathway to a digitally connected Africa has become a little clearer.

The allure of LEO satellites extends beyond mere connectivity. They provide high-speed internet access in areas where traditional telecommunications infrastructure—be it fiber or mobile broadband—poses significant challenges and costs. One might wonder, could these celestial objects hold the keys to unlocking new economic potentials in these remote areas?

In a world constantly seeking interconnectedness, MTN is not alone in this quest. Its competitor, Cell C, recognizing the immense potential, is also exploring similar satellite partnerships. After all, the sky isn’t a limit; it’s a gateway to possibilities.

As we stand at the cusp of this new frontier, we are reminded of the words of Arthur C. Clarke: “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” With each connection made, both literal and metaphorical, Africa edges closer to a horizon bursting with promise—a future where no one is left behind.