MTN Zambia has successfully completed Africa’s first field testing of Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service.
MTN Zambia said the tests included the transmission of the first data session and a fintech transaction using MTN’s licensed spectrum and Starlink’s satellite constellation. The tests demonstrate how satellite-to-phone connectivity could extend network coverage to areas where traditional terrestrial mobile infrastructure is unavailable.
The technology will allow customers to access services such as voice, video and data through supported applications even in remote areas. Early use cases are expected to include WhatsApp voice and video calls, access to the MoMo App and MyMTN App, as well as navigation and weather services.
Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell system works with standard LTE/4G-compatible smartphones, meaning users do not need specialised satellite phones. The satellites effectively function as cell towers in space, connecting devices directly to the network and routing traffic through the broader Starlink constellation.
The successful tests pave the way for a potential commercial rollout in the coming weeks according to MTN Zambia.
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Also Read: Airtel to Leverage Starlink for Faster Mobile Internet
