Eutelsat, MTN boost Côte d’Ivoire broadband

Eutelsat and MTN Côte d’Ivoire have signed a multi-year agreement to provide satellite-based connectivity services across Côte d’Ivoire, using the high-throughput capacity of the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite

The partnership aims to expand broadband access nationwide, serving both consumer and enterprise segments while promoting digital inclusion through community Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved regions.

Under the agreement, MTN Côte d’Ivoire will utilise the capabilities of the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite, positioned at 7° East, to extend high-speed connectivity to areas beyond the reach of fibre and mobile networks. The solution builds on KONNECT’s track record in enabling digital inclusion initiatives across the region, supporting broadband delivery for businesses and households while also facilitating connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Satellite services will complement existing terrestrial infrastructure, improving coverage and ensuring more reliable access to essential digital services across the country.

MTN Côte d’Ivoire, a subsidiary of MTN Group, is the country’s largest telecom operator. The agreement follows a separate multi-year partnership signed in August 2024 with MTN’s digital and infrastructure services arm Bayobab, which secured capacity on Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit constellation.

Philippe Baudrier, vice-president for Africa at Eutelsat, said, “This agreement represents another milestone in expanding our KONNECT services across Africa. Our platform is helping connect underserved and hard-to-reach areas and partnering with a leading operator like MTN Côte d’Ivoire shows how satellite and terrestrial networks work together to scale deliver connectivity at scale. Together, we are bringing reliable broadband to more communities across the continent, and we are proud to further strengthen our collaboration with the MTN Group.”

“Across Africa, satellite connectivity is a powerful complement to terrestrial networks, helping operators accelerate coverage expansion and support digital inclusion. This partnership with Eutelsat enables us to reach more customers, connect underserved communities and continue to support the country’s ongoing digital transformation,” added Honoré Kouame, general manager of MTN Business Côte d’Ivoire.