MTN Zambia and Starlink have entered a strategic partnership and have announced that MTN Zambia is the first African operator to successfully complete field testing of Starlink’s Direct to Cell service.

This involved the transmission of the first-ever data session and fintech transaction in the country through the use of MTN Zambia’s spectrum and Starlink’s satellite constellation. These milestones pave a path forward to commercial service in the coming weeks subject to regulatory approval.

This service will enable customers to gain access to data, voice and video through supported applications, even in the remotest of areas where currently terrestrial service is unavailable. This service will include WhatsApp voice and video calls, along with access to the MoMo App, MyMTN App, navigation and weather applications with more launching in the future.

Starlink Direct to Cell works with existing LTE/4G-compatible devices wherever there is a clear view of the sky, enabling seamless connectivity in some of the most remote locations. Starlink Direct to Cell satellites act like a cellphone tower in space with the most advanced phased array antennas in the world connecting seamlessly across the Starlink network over lasers to any point in the globe, enabling network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.

Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connectivity means MTN Zambia will expand coverage to the most remote areas, such as the game parks and rural areas surrounded by water bodies and rivers will be covered.

“We would like to acknowledge the unwavering support from the Ministry of Technology and Science and our regulator Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) for the guidance throughout this process,” the company stated.