Satellite smartphones expand African connectivity frontier

AXIAN Telecom has announced a partnership with AST SpaceMobile to deliver direct-to-device (D2D) space-based mobile broadband services across Africa, aiming to extend connectivity to remote and underserved regions

The collaboration will enable voice, video, data and internet connectivity to reach rural, maritime and aviation zones that terrestrial mobile networks often struggle to cover. AST SpaceMobile is currently developing what it describes as the first space-based cellular broadband network designed to work directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices.

At the core of the initiative are AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird low Earth orbit satellites, which are designed to provide 4G LTE and 5G broadband services directly to everyday smartphones without the need for additional hardware or specialised applications.

Under the agreement, the satellite network will be integrated with the Yas core infrastructure across its markets. This integration will allow users to access connectivity services seamlessly through their existing mobile devices. The partnership will also focus on developing commercial offerings for consumers, enterprises, Internet of Things applications, maritime and aviation services, as well as emergency response connectivity.

Within the collaboration, Yas will oversee local distribution, regulatory coordination and customer activation through what it describes as a one-click SpaceMobile service.

The initiative forms part of Yas’ broader Data4All strategy, which seeks to expand reliable network access for individuals and businesses across its markets. It is also expected to enhance communication resilience by maintaining connectivity for emergency response operations when terrestrial networks are disrupted.

Speaking on the partnership, Hassan Jaber, CEO of AXIAN Telecom, said, “Our ambition has always been to build a network that works for everyone in Africa, not just those in cities. Connectivity is the foundation on which everything else is built, and there are still too many people and businesses across our markets who are cut off from it. Partnering with AST SpaceMobile gives us the ability to close that gap in a way that was not possible before. Their technology is genuinely different: it works with the phones people already own, which means we can reach underserved communities without asking them to do anything differently. For Yas, this is the next step in making our pan-African network one that truly has no limits.”

Scott Wisniewski, president of AST SpaceMobile, added, “Africa is a critical part of the global connectivity landscape. Together with Yas, we are bringing space-based cellular broadband to people and communities beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure, directly to standard smartphones. This partnership advances our mission to connect the unconnected worldwide and extends the reach of our network across the African continent.”

The partnership will involve integrating AST SpaceMobile’s satellite network with Yas core systems, coordinating spectrum usage and securing regulatory approvals across Yas markets. Once approvals are in place, customers will be able to activate SpaceMobile services through a simplified one-click process.

The service will also be compatible with evolving 5G and IoT standards, supporting future connectivity requirements across the continent.