In a reply to an Independent Media article, MTN disclosed that it has already been engaging with and has signed a partnership with SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet form Starlink but not in South Africa.
Instead, the two telecom firms have been dealing in other territories across Africa where both are present.
“MTN is already partnering with several Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication providers, including Starlink, in select markets across our footprint for backhaul services,” it said per Fast Company.
“These engagements have delivered encouraging results and continue to evolve as we explore opportunities to enhance connectivity and resilience in remote and underserved areas.”
However the giant yellow telecom was more coy about the details of its dealings with the Elon Musk-owned company, saying “we do not comment on confidential market-specific discussions” and that “MTN embraces the value of LEO satellite systems and remains open to partnerships that support the extension of connectivity across Africa, including South Africa, in compliance with applicable regulations.”
Embracing here includes use cases like potentially using satellite internet to offer a back-up network for its MoMo fintech platform, especially for more rural and remote areas. MTN has aspirations to make its MoMo platform sort of a backbone for informal economies like those found in these areas.
It added that it would be looking to make more partnerships to “extend connectivity to more rural and remote areas, as well as to improve resilience” which are all offered by the sort of internet that Starlink offers.
“We believe that partnerships with LEO communication providers, including Starlink, can be mutually beneficial, enhancing service resilience, extending reach, and improving customer experience, particularly in geographically challenging regions.”
Controversy gathers over Starlink
The company, however, was not mentioning Starlink in a vaccuum and regards any LEO that adheres to regulations as fair game for partnerships in South Africa. Starlink, of course, is yet to receive a license from ICASA to operate and any person or company found to be an illegal user, operator or reseller for Starlink is now being sought after by the regulator.
Officially, the American tech firm is awaiting the conclusion of a licensing process. However, unofficially, the process has become convoluted by the involvement of political parties. While some in the government are making moves for Starlink to find it easier to become licensed locally, others are have been more critical.
This controversy has leaked unto MTN, with rumours that its group chair Mcebisi Jonas was participating in negotiations to bring Starlink into South Africa. Jonas reportedly accompanied the president alongside other South Africans on their April 2025 mission to the United States.
“In his capacity as MTN Group chairperson, Jonas does not participate in operational negotiations relating to Starlink or any other specific vendor or technology partner,” the telecom said.
“His responsibilities are focused on providing strategic oversight and governance at the MTN Group level, in line with the role of a non-executive chairperson.”
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