MTN eyes strategic partnership with Starlink to boost connectivity in Ghana

MTN Group is in the process of exploring a significant partnership with Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, a move that could bring enhanced internet connectivity to Ghana and across Africa. This strategic collaboration, which is currently under discussion, aims to combine MTN’s robust network infrastructure with Starlink’s cutting-edge satellite technology to expand internet access to underserved regions.

Adwoa Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer (CCSSO) of MTN Ghana, confirmed the group’s intention to pursue this partnership during the annual MTN Media Forum in Accra. She revealed that the collaboration could soon have a tangible impact in Ghana as well as other African markets where MTN operates.

“In the light of partnerships and partnering, MTN Group is collaborating with Starlink, so there is that opportunity,” Wiafe stated. “As a group, we are also exploring satellite and how that could be used across countries, and we are undertaking pilots in some countries already,” she told journalists.

This statement echoes the sentiments of former MTN Ghana CEO, Selorm Adadevoh, who at his final AGM earlier this year, hinted that MTN’s approach toward Starlink would focus more on collaboration than competition. “MTN’s strategy towards Starlink will be more of partnership and not competition,” Adadevoh had said, signaling the company’s openness to leveraging the advantages of Starlink’s satellite capabilities.

As Africa’s leading telecom provider, MTN’s interest in satellite internet aligns with the group’s broader goal of expanding digital inclusion across the continent. Starlink’s satellite internet services have been heralded for their potential to provide reliable, high-speed internet access to remote areas that are often unreachable by traditional broadband infrastructure.

By collaborating with Starlink, MTN aims to bridge connectivity gaps in regions that are still underserved by conventional mobile networks. The partnership would see MTN’s extensive local knowledge and infrastructure paired with Starlink’s satellite technology, creating a win-win situation for both parties and, most importantly, for customers in Ghana and beyond.

As MTN Group continues to pilot satellite technology in various African countries, the success of these trials will likely influence the direction and scope of the partnership with Starlink. For Ghana, this collaboration could represent a key step toward expanding digital infrastructure and ensuring more people have access to fast, reliable internet services, particularly in rural areas.

With this potential partnership on the horizon, the future of internet connectivity in Ghana is looking more promising. MTN’s commitment to innovation and its focus on meaningful partnerships like this one highlight the company’s dedication to ensuring that Africa remains at the forefront of the global digital revolution.