Omnispace is testing its plan to use 600 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver connectivity directly to smartphones and other devices in Africa.
They will be partnering with MTN, the largest mobile network operator in Africa, to conduct these tests.
The tests will utilize Omnispace’s existing two LEO prototypes and a medium Earth orbit satellite to assess the feasibility of the network.
The network will rely on S-band spectrum to provide connection to mobile users even in areas with no cell tower coverage.
MTN provides voice, data, and other connectivity services to more than 290 million customers in 19 countries across Africa and the Middle East.
Financial details about their partnership were not disclosed.
Omnispace has announced similar testing agreements with telcos serving India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and island countries in the South Pacific.
The company also said last month that it had received regulatory permission to provide services across Brazil, following other market access approvals in undisclosed countries across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
