In recent developments, South Africa has witnessed significant strides in integrating satellite technology with mobile networks to address persistent connectivity challenges, particularly in underserved and rural regions. A notable milestone in this space came in March 2025, when MTN South Africa, in partnership with Lynk Global, successfully completed Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call using an everyday smartphone. This trial, conducted in Vryburg in the North West province, marked a major step forward in proving that satellite networks can directly support existing consumer devices — no need for specialist satellite phones or equipment.
The integration of satellite communication with mobile networks presents a transformative opportunity for South Africa. With its vast rural landscapes and uneven access to infrastructure, the country stands to benefit immensely from this technology. What sets this innovation apart is its compatibility with the smartphones and tablets already in people’s hands. Unlike older satellite systems that required bulky or proprietary devices, low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite solutions can now connect directly with standard mobile phones and tablets, expanding the reach of mobile networks without the need for expensive physical towers.
For everyday South Africans, this means improved access to mobile services in areas previously plagued by signal blackouts — from remote farms and game reserves to mountainous regions and long stretches of national road. It opens new possibilities for education, mobile banking, healthcare delivery, and small business operations in previously disconnected communities.
MTN’s partnership with Lynk Global reflects a growing trend in the mobile industry to explore space-based solutions for bridging the digital divide. Globally, operators like T-Mobile and Starlink in the United States, and Telstra in Australia, are also experimenting with direct-to-device satellite services. But South Africa’s regulatory landscape brings its own unique considerations.
For instance, companies like SpaceX (behind Starlink) have faced pushback from local regulators due to ownership requirements that ensure compliance with South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework. These regulations, overseen by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), are designed to ensure that any foreign technology operating within the country supports local economic and social development goals.
Despite the promise of this technology, several hurdles remain. Satellite signals can suffer from higher latency than traditional mobile networks, potentially affecting real-time applications like voice calls or video chats. Spectrum allocation — the process of assigning frequencies for communication — must also be carefully managed to prevent interference between satellite and terrestrial networks. These are not insurmountable issues, but they do require close cooperation between mobile operators, technology providers, and regulatory bodies to resolve.
From a user perspective, it’s worth noting that this shift doesn’t require people to upgrade their phones or learn a new interface. That’s part of what makes it so revolutionary — these advancements are designed to work silently in the background, making connectivity stronger, broader, and more resilient using the devices people already know and trust.
The success of MTN’s trial offers a glimpse into the future of mobile connectivity in South Africa. As satellite integration becomes more widespread, it could lay the foundation for true nationwide coverage, where every citizen — regardless of location — can access mobile networks. This would have knock-on effects across sectors, empowering students in rural schools, streamlining emergency response in remote areas, and enabling entrepreneurs to operate from virtually anywhere.
In a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, ensuring that connectivity is truly universal is not just a technological challenge, but a societal one. Satellite-enabled mobile networks offer South Africa a path to more inclusive connectivity — and for everyday users, the biggest change might just be that their signal finally works where it never did before.
