The emergence of satellite internet has become a viable solution for connectivity across Africa. Services such as Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, are gaining significant traction in the region.
LEO satellites offer high-speed internet access in regions where traditional telecommunications infrastructure, such as fiber optics and mobile broadband, is challenging and costly to implement.
Mupita emphasized the necessity of integrating satellite technology to ensure continuous connectivity for customers and businesses. "To keep customers and businesses connected at all times, we're going to have to embrace satellite as an additional technology form," he stated during a media briefing.
He noted that MTN, headquartered in South Africa, is conducting proof-of-concept trials with various LEO satellite operators to explore potential partnerships.
"We are exploring several options, and in fact, we are pleased to act as resellers through our enterprise division for some of our clients in specific countries," Mupita added.
MTN is not the only operator pursuing such partnerships; its smaller competitor, Cell C, is also exploring similar opportunities.
Vodacom, South Africa's leading operator and majority-owned by Britain's Vodafone, announced a collaboration with Amazon's Project Kuiper LEO satellite initiative last year.
Mupita acknowledged the competitive landscape, stating, "We're very aware of the challenges of having to compete as a fixed and wireless operator with LEO satellites over time, so we're arranging ourselves to be able to sure proof our businesses in our key markets."
While Starlink has established a presence in several African nations, it has encountered regulatory hurdles in others, including South Africa, along with pushback from state-owned telecom companies.
The South African regulator, ICASA, is currently developing a regulatory and licensing framework for satellite internet providers to establish clear guidelines for operators.
Mupita asserted that "LEO operators should be treated the same as terrestrial operators such as ourselves, subjected to the same regulatory requirements whether it's around data privacy."