Vodacom and MTN’s plans to fill signal gaps with Starlink and Amazon Kuiper – MyBroadband

Vodacom and MTN are in ongoing discussions with satellite network providers that offer direct-to-cell (D2C) capabilities, and early tests of the new generation of connectivity have shown encouraging results.

D2C uses low earth-orbit satellite networks with specialised antennas to make it possible for regular 4G and 5G smartphones to make calls, send SMSs, and use mobile data in areas without cellphone towers.

The LEO satellites effectively act as cellular towers in space, with the ability to provide connectivity almost across the entire planet.

These networks consist of hundreds of satellites orbiting from around 500km to 2,000km above the Earth’s surface.

This is significantly closer than older geosynchronous (GEO) satellites, which can only facilitate communication on specialised satellite phones.

The shorter distance from the ground to the satellites also helps enable better speeds and bandwidth than what is possible on GEO networks.

While this technology cannot compete with terrestrial 4G or 5G in terms of speed or capacity, it can provide coverage in remote areas that are not deemed economically feasible for land-based operators.

SpaceX’s Starlink is one of the best-known LEO operators rolling out D2C over the next few years.

The company already has 100 D2C-enabled V2 satellites in its fleet. All its satellites can also facilitate communication with specialised Starlink dishes.

The company conducted its first successful video call over its D2C network with unmodified phones in May 2024.

Starlink will begin offering D2C roaming through US operator T-Mobile later this year, starting with text messaging. This will be expanded to voice and data services in 2025.

Starlink has also partnered with other major operators to offer D2C in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, Chile, and Peru.

D2C promises better Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity, which could benefit the agricultural, automotive, energy, maritime, and environmental sectors.

The image below shows the basic configuration of the Starlink D2C network, but the overall network design applies to all D2C services.

Vodacom’s confirmed satellite partners

In Africa, Vodacom parent Vodafone is one of the earliest movers on D2C, having partnered with AST SpaceMobile to plug its connectivity gaps on the continent.

In September 2023, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile successfully completed the world’s first space-based 5G voice call using an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone and AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 test satellite.

A Vodacom spokesperson said the operator was continuing to work with Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile on bringing D2C to its customers.

One major development this year was AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone breaking their previous space-based cellular broadband data session record by achieving a download rate of nearly 14Mbps.

“With its ability to provide mobile broadband connectivity to standard, unmodified mobile devices across the continent, this new technology has the potential to connect millions of people in the remotest regions to the internet for the first time,” Vodacom said.

Vodacom said it was open to considering any strategic partnerships that would help achieve its goal of connecting 100 million more people over the next few years.

Vodacom and Vodafone have also partnered with Amazon’s LEO service, Project Kuiper, to extend the reach of their 4G and 5G networks in Africa and Europe.

Vodacom said it would begin deploying Project Kuiper in Africa and Europe as Amazon’s production satellites come online.

Amazon recently delayed its initial launch window for the first production satellites from late 2024 to early 2025.

However, that is only expected to be the beginning of a beta testing period for the network, which also aims to compete with Starlink in home and business broadband with its own dedicated dishes.

MTN’s discussions at advanced stages

In recent feedback to MyBraodband, MTN Group also said its engagements on D2C were ongoing, as it explored potential partnerships where regulatory approval allowed.

The operator said it was making steady progress with various providers across its African markets, with many engagements now at advanced stages.

“We remain committed to advancing direct-to-cell roaming capabilities in markets where it is feasible,” MTN said.

The company is in talks with several LEO satellite providers, including Starlink, AST Spacemobile, Lynk, and Omnispace, regarding D2C opportunities.

In addition, it was looking into using carrier backhaul services through Starlink, Eutelsat, and Amazon.

“Our focus is on leveraging multiple partnerships to enhance connectivity,” the operator said.

“MTN adopts a multivendor approach to LEO satellite partnerships, reflecting the dynamic and nascent nature of the industry.”