AXIAN Telecom and AST SpaceMobile Inc. have entered a partnership to deploy space-based cellular broadband across Africa, aiming to connect remote and rural areas that lack terrestrial network coverage.
The agreement allows AXIAN Telecom, which operates the Yas mobile brand, to leverage AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit satellite constellation. The technology is designed to deliver 4G LTE and 5G connectivity directly to standard, unmodified smartphones without the need for additional hardware or specialized applications.
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The collaboration will focus on delivering voice, video and data services to sectors including maritime, aviation and emergency response. AXIAN will manage local distribution and regulatory coordination, offering customers one-click activation of the SpaceMobile service.
Hassan Jaber, CEO of AXIAN Telecom, said the partnership is a critical step in the company’s mission to build a network that serves all users, not just those in urban centers. Connectivity is the foundation for economic growth, and this technology allows us to reach underserved communities using the devices they already own, Jaber said.
AST SpaceMobile President Scott Wisniewski noted that the partnership supports the company’s global mission to connect the unconnected by integrating its satellite network with Yas core infrastructure.
AXIAN Telecom is the sixth-largest mobile operator in Africa, serving more than 43 million customers across 11 markets, including Tanzania, Senegal and Uganda. The new satellite-based services will be made available to consumers and enterprises following regulatory approvals in each respective market.
