Vodacom Group on Wednesday announced a partnership with satellite internet provider Starlink to expand broadband coverage and improve connectivity for businesses and rural communities across Africa.
Vodacom said the agreement will allow it to integrate Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite backhaul into its mobile network, a move the company expects will accelerate coverage expansion and improve network performance in underserved areas.
The collaboration will also enable the operator to resell Starlink equipment and services to enterprise and small-business customers, while tailoring packages to local market conditions.
Vodacom said it has developed a suite of industry-focused products using both terrestrial and satellite technologies, including pay-as-you-use backup internet, “unbreakable” connectivity solutions and device-as-a-service offerings.
The deal forms part of its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to grow its customer base to 260 million and expand its financial services users to 120 million within five years.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Starlink, a move that accelerates our mission to connect every African to the internet,” Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said. “Low Earth orbit satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible.”
Chad Gibbs, Starlink’s vice president for operations at SpaceX, said the service was already active in 25 African countries. “By collaborating with Vodacom, Starlink can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to even more customers, transforming lives and communities across the continent,” he said.
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