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Business News for Friday, December 18, 2020
Source: Goldstreet Business
2020-12-18
The new platform will use 20 satellites
Vodafone has announced a new initiative through which it intends, in partnership with AST Spacemobile, to be transmitting 4G and 5G Internet access directly to mobile phones in Ghana and 48 other equatorial countries by 2023.
The new platform, which will employ 20 satellites, will effectively convert standard Vodafone network-connected smartphones, which are capable of leveraging standard 4G and 5G technology, into satellite phones wherever they are used throughout Ghana.
The new initiative, when it goes live, will give Vodafone a clear advantage in its competition with MTN Ghana in particular, for 4G market share.
The two networks are the only two of the four GSM networks operating in Ghana that are currently licensed to provide 4G services; the other licensed 4G service providers are indigenous-owned dedicated Internet service providers led by Surfline.
However, the satellite-powered 4G services proposed by Vodafone in Ghana would be subject to regulatory approval from the National Communications Authority, although the required approval is highly likely to be granted in the coming years.
In addition to offering Ghana quick access to 5G services, the proposed platform would be immensely useful for Ghanaian manufacturers, exporters and importers looking to take full advantage of the business opportunities offered by the start of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
This is because the platform would also cover many other important African jurisdictions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania, allowing Ghanaian traders, entrepreneurs, investors and corporate executives to communicate seamlessly with their counterparts in those countries and staying in touch with home during business trips to those countries without engaging in sometimes costly international roaming.
It is also important that satellite technology enables coverage in rural areas that are not covered by existing mobile networks due to gaps in cell site infrastructure.
Vodafone intends to integrate technology into the services provided by its Vodafone, Vodacom and Safaricom brands.
AST Mobile stated: “More than five billion mobile subscribers are constantly in and out of wireless coverage, and AST SpaceMobile’s solution will fill these coverage gaps to allow people to stay connected while on the go. This is a significant advance in helping bring affordable mobile connectivity to more than half of the world’s population who do not have Internet on their phone.
“Traditional satellite systems require expensive specialized satellite phones or ground antenna systems, which is different than AST SpaceMobile’s proprietary technology, where all you need is the phone in your pocket.”
A statement from Vodafone added: “Vodafone wants to make sure that our customers are always connected and that everyone benefits from a digital society. That is why we are a leading strategic partner of AST SpaceMobile, uniquely positioned to provide universal mobile coverage to rural areas in Africa and, in the future, to Europe, further expanding our leading network. The mobile space network will also allow us to provide instant communications in the event of a natural or humanitarian disaster. “
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