MTN Group's South African unit and US-based low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider Lynk Global have made history by successfully making Africa's first phone call via satellite. This breakthrough could help extend mobile coverage to underserved and rural areas, bridging the coverage gaps that have long plagued mobile operators and smartphone manufacturers.

The call, conducted in Vryburg, North West province, was part of a technical trial aimed at assessing the voice-call quality and SMS capabilities over a LEO satellite connection. According to Reuters, the trial was a significant step towards finding potential solutions to the challenges of providing coverage in underserviced, rural, and remote areas.

MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi emphasized that the call demonstrated MTN's ability to enhance its existing ground-based cell towers and infrastructure with LEO satellite technology. This integration could provide a cost-effective solution to expanding network reach, particularly in areas where traditional telecommunications infrastructure is challenging and costly to implement.

The companies secured approval from South Africa's telecoms regulator, ICASA, to use radio frequencies on MTN-licensed spectrum for the trial. Although they did not disclose further details on their next steps, the successful trial paves the way for potential future collaborations and deployments.

LEO satellites offer high-speed internet access in remote and underserved areas, making them an attractive solution for mobile operators seeking to expand their coverage. MTN is not alone in exploring satellite partnerships, as its smaller competitor, Cell C, is also pursuing similar agreements.

The implications of this breakthrough are far-reaching, with the potential to bring mobile connectivity to millions of people in underserved areas across Africa. As the demand for mobile services continues to grow, satellite technology is emerging as a key solution to bridging coverage gaps and providing reliable, high-speed internet access.

In conclusion, the successful trial by MTN and Lynk marks a significant milestone in the development of satellite technology for mobile connectivity. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this breakthrough is built upon and how it will shape the future of mobile coverage in Africa and beyond.