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Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) has teamed up with Starlink to improve mobile connectivity in remote areas. The partnership allows Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to utilize Starlink’s satellite network as a backbone link for their base stations.

Traditionally, mobile networks operate through Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), also known as base stations. These stations serve as the connection point for devices with SIM cards, offering mobile internet, calls, and SMS services. The BTSs are managed by Base Station Controllers (BSCs), which report to the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) responsible for routing network traffic between different networks.

To support this infrastructure, terrestrial links, such as optic fiber cables or microwave radio links, connect the BTSs, BSCs, and MSCs. These links, known as backbone links, incur substantial costs. As a result, network operators prefer to establish developments or settlements along these links to offset expenses with paying customers.

However, small population clusters located in remote areas without access to backbone links often experience limited or no mobile network coverage. Installing network infrastructure in these locations can be expensive and may not offer a return on investment in a reasonable timeframe.

AMN aims to bypass the need for traditional backbone links by utilizing Starlink’s satellite network to route voice and data traffic from BTSs to BSCs. This eliminates the costs associated with terrestrial links, streamlining the setup process and increasing placement flexibility for BTSs.

AMN is a group of companies providing Network as a Service (NaaS) in remote parts of Africa. They establish and manage mobile network infrastructure, allowing MNOs to run their networks through AMN. Currently operating in 14 African countries, AMN plans to expand to six additional countries. They have deployed over 3000 base stations across the continent, focusing on areas lacking mobile coverage.

By partnering with Orange, AMN has teamed up with a leading ISP that offers mobile services in 13 African countries. Previously, AMN utilized VSAT satellites for connecting remote base stations. However, the limited bandwidth and high latency of traditional VSAT motivated AMN to seek access to Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network for faster and more efficient mobile connectivity expansion in Africa.

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