MTN Zambia tests Starlink satellite-to-phone connection
On Techpoint Digest, we discuss MTN Zambia's Starlink satellite-to-phone connection, the transition from paper coding to healthcare AI, and Nomba's desire to make global payments feel local.
<br />
Grüß,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Victoria from Techpoint here,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
MTN Zambia tests Starlink satellite-to-phone connection<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Inspired by Iron Man, now building real AI<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nomba wants global payments to feel local<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
MTN Zambia tests Starlink satellite-to-phone connection<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
MTN Nigeria<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What if your phone could connect to space when there’s no network tower around? That’s the future MTN Zambia is testing after completing what it says is Africa’s first field trial of satellite-to-phone connectivity using Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The telecom operator confirmed that the trial successfully transmitted both a data session and a mobile money transaction using satellites instead of a traditional ground tower. The test used MTN’s spectrum together with Starlink’s satellite constellation, allowing an ordinary LTE smartphone to connect directly to satellites in orbit. According to the company, this marked the first time a fintech transaction has been carried through the system in Africa.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What this means is that mobile connectivity could soon reach places where telecom towers simply can’t go. Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites essentially act like cell towers in space, linking directly with phones and routing signals through its global satellite network before connecting to telecom operators’ infrastructure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Large parts of Africa still struggle with network coverage, especially in rural areas, national parks, and communities separated by rivers or difficult terrain. Building towers in such places is often expensive or impractical. Satellite-to-phone connectivity could help bridge those gaps, making it possible to send messages, access apps like WhatsApp, or even complete mobile money transactions without traditional network infrastructure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The technology isn’t live yet, though. MTN says commercial rollout will depend on regulatory approval from the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority. If approved, the trial could signal the ...
