NetOne to Launch Direct Satellite Calls, In Partnership With AST Space Mobile

State owned mobile network operator, NetOne will become one of the early players   to provide direct to satellite calls in Africa.

The mobile network operator is currently test running direct to satellite calls using an American based space mobile network, AST Space Mobile.

Speaking to the NetOne Chief Executive Officer Mr. Raphael Mushanawani, he said that they are currently on dry testing level and expecting mass adoption once technical requirements are completed.

By Ruvarashe Gora

We are going to be connecting our subscribers direct to the AST satellite using their standard handsets, this is a big move as it cuts out extra investments on tower installations reducing capex while improving connectivity across the country.”

Mushanawani said that they are currently targeting rural and remote areas where infrastructure deployment is traditionally difficult.

The cost of importing and setting up base stations is significantly high in Zimbabwe and connecting mobile phones direct to the satellite will drastically reduce operational and capital costs.

Starlink a force competitor is also testing this same technology which is posed to revolutionizes technology.

The technology is currently awaiting the International Telecommunications Union approval so that traditional handsets and satellites can communicate in known allocated bandwidth.