MTN Group and Omnispace join forces to boost 5G Connectivity across Africa

United States-based satellite broadband service provider, Omnispace, has recently made public a collaboration with MTN Group, a leading telecommunications operator in Africa. The partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of MTN’s mobile network across the continent.

In this venture, Omnispace intends to combine its non-terrestrial network (NTN) with MTN’s land-based mobile networks. Utilizing the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) mobile standards, the collaboration seeks to offer connectivity services to a variety of customers. These include both regular mobile consumers and enterprise Internet-of-Things (IoT) customers located in African regions served by MTN.

Ram Viswanathan, the CEO of Omnispace, shared that through this strategic partnership, users can gain access to secure, cost-effective, and universally available 5G mobile connectivity.

The 3GPP is a unified effort of seven telecommunications standard development organizations. Their goal is to create connectivity standards for mobile networks that can effectively interact with traditional radio and other modes of digital communication. This, in turn, ensures seamless communication and data transmission across a variety of platforms and devices.

According to an announcement on Omnispace’s official website, the collaboration aligns with both telecommunication companies’ common objective of devising cost-effective global connectivity solutions. These proposed solutions aim to extend beyond the limitations of conventional cellular and land-based networks.

Upon successful completion of the initial testing phase, where the existing technology’s capabilities and possible applications will be gauged using Omnispace’s in-orbit satellites, the company will progress to the next step. This involves the creation of a standards-based mobile and IoT network specifically tailored to cater to MTN’s extensive market base.

In addition to designing and implementing this comprehensive network, Omnispace and MTN Group will jointly work towards developing and maintaining a sustainable ecosystem of devices and software. This integrated approach will ensure the seamless operation of the newly developed network, enabling customers to derive maximum utility from the enhanced connectivity solutions.

Omnispace conveyed enthusiasm about the anticipated partnership with MTN. The company is particularly excited about devising a “first-of-its-kind, 3GPP standards-based solution that introduces non-terrestrial network connectivity to a broad ecosystem of compatible devices, products, and applications.”

On the other hand, the Chief Technology and Information Officer of MTN Group, Mazen Mroué, noted that this strategic cooperation will greatly enhance the telecom company’s ability to provide more stable and reliable access to its network.

Beyond network reliability, this partnership aligns with MTN’s long-term vision. It envisages strengthening the fundamental digital infrastructure for its customers, thereby paving the way for a truly inclusive digital future. This enhancement would empower MTN’s customers to enjoy the numerous advantages of a fully connected lifestyle brought forth by modern digital connectivity.

The concept of leveraging low-Earth orbit satellites as an economical solution to address universal coverage difficulties has prompted an increasing number of collaborations between mobile operators and satellite broadband providers.

In keeping with this trend, MTN Group revealed partnerships with several satellite communication firms back in 2023. These partners include notable names such as OneWeb, Starlink, Lynk Global, and AST SpaceMobile. The primary objective of these collaborations is to extend internet connectivity to rural areas of Africa, which traditionally encounter greater challenges in accessing reliable and high-speed internet services.

These strategic partnerships reinforce MTN Group’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and enhancing connectivity across the African continent.

In a similar vein, Paratus South Africa, a telecommunications service provider, announced a partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, a low earth orbit satellite (LEO) operator, in January 2024. This partnership is geared towards unveiling new connectivity services in South Africa, demonstrating a continued commitment to enhancing digital access within the country.

Additionally, Vodacom Ghana has entered into a partnership with Lynk Global to leverage its innovative satellite-to-phone solution. This collaboration seeks to bridge communication gaps and strengthen connectivity solutions, particularly in areas with deficient conventional network coverage. These ongoing partnerships further illustrate the increasing trend of telecommunications companies collaborating with satellite operators to boost connectivity services.