Researchers have helped pull off something that’s never been tried before—completing the first-ever quantum satellite communication link in the Southern Hemisphere.
In what was a collaboration between Stellenbosch University and the University of Science and Technology of China, scientists established a quantum link that stretches a whopping 12,900 km—from China all the way to South Africa.
That, the researchers say, is the longest intercontinental quantum satellite link ever recorded. And what makes this especially noteworthy, and unlike your usual internet connection, is that this one’s apparently virtually unhackable.
The breakthrough was achieved using China’s Jinan-1 microsatellite, which was launched into low Earth orbit. The team then managed to beam quantum encryption keys from space to earth. Those keys were used to send images between the two ground stations using one-time pad encryption – a method widely seen as impossible to crack.
This, the researchers said, all happened in real-time, using a process called Quantum Key Distribution, or QKD.
Space-age security
Quantum communication works by sending individual photons – tiny particles of light – to carry encrypted messages. Because of how quantum mechanics works, any attempt to intercept or measure these photons messes them up, making it obvious that someone’s tried to snoop. In short, it’s the closest thing to spy-proof messaging out there.
During a clear sky and low humidity in the Southy African town of Stellenbosch, the local team managed to generate 1.07 million secure bits of data in just one pass of the satellite. This, they claim, was pretty decent for a test run.
“International and national collaborations are essential to drive cutting-edge research and push scientific boundaries,” said Dr Yaseera Ismail, the physicist who led the South African team.
“Implementing the first quantum satellite link in the Southern Hemisphere is an outstanding achievement for South Africa.”
Eyes on the future
China’s been leading the charge in quantum tech for years now, and is already famous for building the country’s first quantum satellite, Micius.
The scientists hope that the breakthrough will help lay the foundations for something much bigger in the future.
For example, Stellenbosch University is gearing up to launch a new Centre for Quantum Science and Technology, aiming to boost South Africa’s role in global quantum research.
The tests, conducted with Lynk Global in North West province, demonstrated that standard mobile phones could access satellite networks without specialized equipment. The initiative addresses a persistent challenge across sub-Saharan Africa, where 600 million people remain offline despite widespread mobile coverage. According to GSMA data, while 90% of the region’s population lives within mobile broadband coverage areas, only 27% actively use internet services. The gap is particularly acute in rural regions, where infrastructure limitations and economic barriers hinder connectivity. MTN’s Chief Technology Officer, Mazen Mroué, explained the technology’s significance. “Low-Earth orbit satellites can complement traditional networks in areas where building towers isn’t viable,” he said. The system operates through satellites positioned much closer to Earth than conventional models, enabling connectivity.
The South African trial follows a similar test in Liberia last year, both aimed at developing solutions for hard-to-reach communities. MTN plans to expand the technology across its 19 African markets as part of its goal to achieve near-universal broadband coverage. However, connectivity remains just one piece of the puzzle. Industry analysts note that device affordability and digital literacy present equally significant barriers. Smartphone adoption in sub-Saharan Africa stands at just 51%, with many users relying on feature phones. Data costs, while declining, still consume about 5% of average monthly incomes in the region. The satellite initiative also promises to enhance network resilience during natural disasters. During recent cyclones in southern Africa, widespread damage to terrestrial infrastructure left millions without communication for days. Satellite redundancy could maintain critical connectivity in such emergencies. Regulatory challenges remain before widespread deployment. MTN is currently in discussions with telecommunications authorities across Africa to establish frameworks for satellite-integrated mobile services. The company anticipates commercial rollout could begin within two years.
The push for universal connectivity comes as digital access becomes increasingly tied to economic participation. A World Bank study estimates that a 10% increase in internet penetration could boost GDP by up to 2.5% in developing economies. For rural farmers, students, and small businesses, reliable connectivity could mean access to markets, education, and financial services previously out of reach. Africa’s connectivity landscape presents a paradox of progress and exclusion. While urban centers see rapid 5G deployment, rural areas often lack basic 2G service. This technological bifurcation risks deepening existing inequalities as essential services increasingly move online. MTN’s satellite trials represent an innovative approach to this challenge, but history cautions against technological silver bullets. Previous efforts to bridge the digital divide through undersea cables and rural towers often stumbled on last-mile implementation and affordability issues. The true test will be whether satellite solutions can overcome these persistent barriers at scale.
The economic case for connectivity is clear, but the path forward requires coordinated action across multiple fronts. Device manufacturers must develop more affordable options, governments need to implement supportive policies, and digital literacy programs require expansion. As mobile networks evolve into hybrid terrestrial-satellite systems, maintaining focus on end-user needs and affordability will determine whether this technological leap truly connects the unconnected. For now, the successful tests in Liberia and South Africa offer cautious optimism. In a continent where geography and economics have long dictated digital access, satellite technology may finally begin to rewrite the rules of connectivity.
MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, has revealed that the company has invested over $1 billion in improving customer service delivery over the past five years. This, he said, underscores MTN’s ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction. He also announced plans for additional significant financial investments in the coming year.
“We are here because of our customers,” Blewett stated. “We want you to have an exceptional experience, not a poor network. MTN’s success today is a result of our commitment to investing over $200 million annually in our network.
“By the end of this year, we will have invested $1 billion over the past five years. And we’re planning to invest even more to continue enhancing our services.”
Blewett also addressed the rising issue of mobile money fraud, urging customers to stay vigilant.
He shared a personal experience from his first month at MTN, when he became the target of a mobile money scam.
“In my first month here, I received a call from a fraudster. He claimed I had made a transfer and tried to manipulate me into believing it. I decided to keep him on the phone for about 15 minutes, hoping that by doing so, he wouldn’t scam someone else.
“Eventually, I told him I was the CEO of MTN, and he didn’t believe me. He got upset and hung up. But this experience serves as a reminder of how important it is to stay vigilant.”
Blewett further assured customers that MTN is actively working on solutions to address mobile money fraud.
“We are constantly asking ourselves how we can improve. We are applying the same customer-first mentality to tackle these issues and are exploring better solutions for our users.”
Zambia’s e-government division, the SMART Zambia Institute, is improving trade facilitation and revenue collection by deploying six internet connection stations at the Nakonde border post in Muchinga province.
According to SMART Zambia, the initiative intends to improve internet connectivity for Zambia Revenue Authority activities, resulting in faster cargo clearance and greater efficiency.
The initiative is part of Zambia’s larger attempts to use technology and increase trade facilitation, which aligns with the government’s objective of increasing regional trade and economic integration.
The move comes as Zambia implements a number of efforts to boost the country’s ICT sector, including the ZamFree Initiative, which offers free public WiFi in certain towns, and Zambia’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which encourages safe AI use.
“In a bid to bolster trade facilitation and revenue collection, the SMART Zambia Muchinga province team has successfully deployed six internet access points at the Nakonde border post,” said SMART Zambia.
Moroccan telecom providers Maroc Telecom and Inwi have expanded a partnership agreement aimed at accelerating the deployment of fiber optic and 5G technologies across the North African country.
Emirates News Agency reports that under the agreement, the two companies will consolidate parts of their passive telecom infrastructure by establishing two joint ventures, each owned equally (50/50).
The objective is to strengthen fiber optic expansion and support the development of a 5G network in the Kingdom, the two said in a joint statement.
The agreement includes the creation of“ FiberC”o, tasked with expanding fiber optic networks to reach 1 million connections within two years and 3 million within five years, and TowerCo, which will oversee the construction of 2,000 new towers in three years and 6,000 in ten years to support the rollout of 5G.
The first phase of the project is valued at one billion dollars (AED4.4bn) over three years, pending approval by Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency.
e& (formerly Etisalat Group), a UAE-based telecoms company, is the majority shareholder in Maroc Telecom.
Jassem Alzaabi, chairman of e&, stated that the strategic collaboration between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, together with combined investments in fiber and 5G infrastructure, is a significant step towards better market stability and improves Morocco’s position as an attractive investment destination.
He also highlighted the country’s efforts to foster a balanced and competitive regulatory environment.
“We at e& prioritize compliance with both local and international regulations as a core ethical responsibility,” Alzaabi said.
He went on to say, “We value the government’s ongoing initiatives to develop the telecom sector and are committed to long-term investment in Morocco.
“Our focus will be on expanding digital infrastructure, promoting digital inclusion, and enabling various economic sectors to benefit from technological advancements.
“We will continue working closely with the government and private sector to build a robust digital ecosystem that enhances Morocco’s competitiveness and supports sustainable development.”
Engineer Hatem Dowidar, group CEO of e&, commented on the agreement: “With a clear future vision for the market, we are more committed than ever to advancing our investments in fiber and 5G infrastructure.
“Our aim is to strengthen digital infrastructure, support e-government services, and provide smart solutions that meet the needs of individuals and businesses while enhancing Morocco’s regional competitiveness.”
He added that the strategic collaboration between Maroc Telecom and Inwi reflects institutional maturity and underscores that true partnerships are built on legal integrity and public interest.
Dowidar said, “This motivates us to not only improve infrastructure but also build a comprehensive digital model that supports Morocco’s digital transformation. Our future investments will focus on enhancing user experience, expanding digital services, and supporting Morocco’s digital economy in alignment with our long-term vision for this vital market.”
According to a joint statement from the two firms, the deal has been accepted by Maroc Telecom’s supervisory board and Inwi’s board of directors, and it coincides with Morocco’s continuous digital transformation and objectives to provide high-speed communication services.
JOHANNESBURG, March 27 (Reuters) – The South African unit of MTN Group and American low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider Lynk Global said on Thursday they had made Africa’s first phone call via satellite, a potential solution to providing coverage in underserviced and rural areas.
Mobile operators and smartphone makers are racing to deploy satellite services to close gaps in network coverage.
The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day.
The call in Vryburg, in the North West province of South Africa, was part of a technical trial that enabled MTN (MTNJ.J) and Lynk Global to test voice-call quality using a standard smartphone and SMS capabilities over a LEO satellite connection, MTN South Africa Chief Executive Officer Charles Molapisi said.
“The technical trial was part of our work to find potential solutions to the challenges of providing coverage in underserved, rural, and remote areas,” he added.
Molapisi said the call showed MTN’s ability to complement its ground-based cell towers and other infrastructure with LEO satellite.
The companies received approval from the telecoms regulator ICASA to use radio frequencies on MTN-licensed spectrum for the trial. They did not elaborate on their next steps.
In November, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita announced that MTN South Africa was carrying out proof of concepts—showing the feasibility of the plan—with a number of LEO satellite operators for possible partnerships.
LEO satellites provide high-speed internet even in areas where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure such as fiber and mobile broadband is difficult and expensive to deploy.
MTN’s smaller rival, Cell C, is also seeking similar partnership agreements.
South Africa’s biggest operator, Vodacom (VODJ.J), majority owned by Britain’s Vodafone (VOD.L), announced a partnership with Amazon’s Project Kuiper LEO satellite in 2023.
IFC is considering a $100M investment in Airtel Africa, allocating $70M to Kenya and $30M to Rwanda for telecom expansion.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is considering a major investment in Airtel Africa to strengthen its telecom operations across East Africa, Informer East Africa has reported.
The report further mentions that the proposed funding, totaling $100 million, is expected to allocate $70 million to Airtel Kenya and $30 million to Airtel Rwanda, potentially supporting network expansion and service enhancements in both markets.
The GSMA has elected MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita as its deputy chair, following the appointment of Bharti Airtel vice chairman Gopal Vittal as chair.
The move highlights the GSMA’s recognition of executives from emerging market operators in key leadership roles, reflecting the growing influence of these regions in the global telecoms industry.
Mupita will serve as deputy chair for the remainder of the board term, which runs until the end of 2026. In this role, he will support the chair and board in overseeing the GSMA’s strategic direction. The organisation represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide.
GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath described Mupita’s experience as “invaluable as we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mupita said: “This is a great honour, particularly at a time of rapid technological advancements and increasing digital adoption across Africa. Mobile technology will play a crucial role in addressing pressing societal challenges and unlocking the full potential of Africa and the rest of the Global South, ensuring no one is left behind in our journey towards a more connected future.”
Mupita has served as MTN Group President and CEO since September 2020, having previously held the position of group CFO from 2017.
The telecom industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and marketing needs to keep up. It’s no longer just about selling plans and devices—it’s about building real connections with customers, offering them personalized experiences and keeping them engaged for the long run.
With so many options available, customers can switch providers with just a few clicks. That means telecom companies must work harder than ever to stand out. The real challenge isn’t just attracting new customers—it’s keeping them loyal in an industry where price and convenience often drive decisions.
Understanding Today’s Telecom Customers
Modern consumers expect more from their service providers. They interact with brands across multiple touchpoints—mobile apps, websites, social media and customer support—and they expect a smooth, hassle-free experience every time.
What they don’t want? Complicated processes, irrelevant promotions and impersonal interactions. If a telecom brand doesn’t make their life easier, they’ll move on to one that does. That’s why the most successful marketing strategies today focus on putting the customer first—anticipating their needs, simplifying their journey and offering real value.
Using Customer Insights The Right Way
Telecom companies have access to a huge amount of customer data, but collecting information is one thing—knowing how to use it effectively is another. The best marketing leaders don’t just look at numbers; they use insights to make smarter decisions.
What do customers actually want? What frustrates them? When is the best time to reach them with an offer? Understanding these details allows telecom brands to craft messages that resonate rather than sending out generic promotions that get ignored.
Why Personalization Matters More Than Ever
Gone are the days when a one-size-fits-all approach worked. Today’s customers expect services that fit their needs, whether that’s a data plan tailored to their usage or offers that make sense for their lifestyle.
Personalization isn’t just about recommending the right plan—it’s about making customers feel valued. Whether it’s sending a timely discount, reminding them about unused benefits or offering an exclusive upgrade, small touches go a long way in building loyalty.
Turning Customers Into Brand Advocates
People trust recommendations from other customers more than any ad or sales pitch. If someone loves their telecom provider, they’ll talk about it—whether it’s in a conversation with a friend, a review or a social media post.
That’s why smart marketing goes beyond just selling—it’s about creating positive experiences that people want to share. Encouraging feedback, rewarding loyal customers and engaging with them in meaningful ways can turn happy users into powerful brand advocates.
Building Trust Through Transparency
Trust is a big deal in telecom. Customers want to know that their provider is being up front—whether it’s about pricing, data usage or how their information is handled.
Transparency means clear communication, no hidden fees and following through on promises. It also means being proactive—if there’s an outage or an issue, customers appreciate honesty and quick updates rather than vague statements. Brands that prioritize trust earn long-term loyalty, while those that don’t risk losing customers fast.
Moving From Selling To Solving Problems
Telecom marketing isn’t just about pushing products anymore—it’s about helping customers navigate the increasingly complex digital world. Whether it’s choosing the right plan, understanding security risks or making the most of their connectivity, people appreciate brands that offer solutions, not just sales pitches.
CMOs who take a consultative approach—educating customers, offering helpful content and positioning their brand as a trusted resource—can create deeper, more meaningful relationships.
What Today’s Telecom CMOs Should Focus On
To stay ahead in a fast-changing industry, marketing leaders need to:
Put customers first: Understand their needs and frustrations to create better experiences.
Use data wisely: Turn insights into meaningful actions instead of relying on generic strategies.
Make personalization a priority: Tailor services and offers to make customers feel valued.
Encourage advocacy: Happy customers are the best promoters of a brand.
Be transparent: Clear, honest communication builds trust.
Think beyond sales: Offer value through education, guidance and problem-solving.
Stay adaptable: The telecom industry moves fast, and flexibility is key to staying competitive.
The days of simply selling phone plans and devices are long gone. Today’s telecom brands need to focus on customer relationships, trust and long-term engagement. Those that embrace this shift—putting customers at the heart of their strategies—will be the ones that thrive.
At the end of the day, success in telecom marketing isn’t about having the flashiest campaigns or the biggest ad budget. It’s about understanding people, meeting their needs and creating experiences that keep them coming back.
