In a bold step toward bridging South Africa’s digital divide, MTN South Africa and Lynk Global, a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider, successfully completed the continent’s first satellite-to-mobile device phone call on Thursday. The historic trial took place in Vryburg, a rural town in the North West province, and marks a significant milestone in the effort to connect even the most remote parts of Africa.
Connecting the Unconnected, One Call at a Time
The trial was not just a technical demonstration—it was a proof of concept that satellite-based connectivity can complement MTN’s existing terrestrial infrastructure. The call tested both voice quality and SMS capabilities using a direct link between a regular mobile device and a LEO satellite. No additional hardware or special configuration was required.
“The call in Vryburg enables MTN and Lynk Global to test voice call quality and SMS capabilities over a LEO satellite connection. The trial is part of our ongoing work to solve the coverage challenges in underserved rural and remote areas,” said Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa.
Molapisi emphasized that this success brings MTN closer to its goal of 99% broadband population coverage, while also ensuring that no South African is left behind in the digital age.
Why LEO Satellites Matter
LEO satellites orbit Earth at altitudes between 160 and 2,000 kilometers, completing a full orbit in as little as 90 minutes. This low altitude allows for:
- Low latency — ideal for real-time communication like video calls and gaming.
- Rapid deployment — covering wide areas without building physical towers.
- Device compatibility — the system works with existing mobile phones, eliminating the need for expensive custom devices.
What’s more, the cost of satellite deployment has dropped significantly. In the 1980s, launching 1kg into space cost over US$85,000. Today, it’s around US$1,000, making satellite-based connectivity far more accessible.
A Game-Changer for Rural and Remote Areas
The trial represents more than a technical win — it has real-world implications. Direct satellite-to-phone connectivity could be used to:
- Send mass emergency alerts (e.g., for weather, health, or disaster updates)
- Ensure continuous communication during network outages
- Extend education, banking, and healthcare services to rural communities
“This marks the first satellite-to-unmodified-mobile phone call made on the African continent,” said Dan Dooley, Chief Commercial Officer of Lynk Global. “It reinforces the effectiveness of our technology to connect people anywhere in the world.”
Why Vryburg?
Vryburg, an agricultural hub with a population of around 21,000, was chosen for the trial following ICASA’s (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) approval to use MTN-licensed radio spectrum during the test.
Its rural profile made it the perfect testbed for proving that such advanced technology can work where traditional networks are weakest.
