MTN Uganda has launched a satellite internet service for businesses in remote areas, intensifying competition with rival Airtel Uganda as telecom operators explore alternatives to conventional networks to expand connectivity.
The service, known as MTN Starlink for Business, uses Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite technology to provide internet access to businesses and institutions in areas where mobile networks and fibre infrastructure are limited, unreliable or expensive to deploy.
MTN Uganda unveiled the service at Libra International School in Ziroobwe, Luweero District, where poor internet connectivity had affected teaching, online research, administrative operations and communication with parents.
The launch comes after Airtel Uganda introduced satellite-to-mobile services in September, bringing satellite technology into sharper focus in the country’s telecommunications market.
However, the two offerings target different needs. Airtel’s satellite-to-mobile service allows users with compatible smartphones to access selected messaging and light-data applications through satellites, while MTN’s business service relies on dedicated equipment to provide internet connectivity for organisations.
The development reflects growing efforts by telecom operators to serve customers beyond the reach of conventional infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote locations where extending fibre networks can be costly.
Speaking at the launch, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, said a person’s location should not determine their access to digital opportunities.
“At MTN, we believe that where you are located should not determine how far you can go,” Mulinge said.
She said the satellite service would complement MTN’s existing connectivity offerings, allowing businesses to use it as their primary internet connection, a backup option or an alternative where conventional networks are unavailable.
At Libra International School, Director William Sekabembe said previous efforts to improve internet access, including the use of signal boosters, had failed to deliver the required performance despite significant expenditure.
“Ever since we started the proof of concept with Starlink through MTN, it has really been a big milestone for us,” Sekabembe said.
He said the improved connectivity had supported students’ online research, communication between the school and parents, as well as the operation of school management and examination systems.
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Beyond education, MTN’s new service could serve businesses and institutions in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, tourism, mining, energy, construction and humanitarian operations, where reliable connectivity is essential but conventional network coverage remains limited.
Satellite internet could also help organisations in remote locations access cloud-based applications, digital payment systems and communication tools without waiting for fibre or mobile infrastructure to reach their areas.
The commercial success of the service, however, will depend on factors including equipment and subscription costs, installation requirements and the reliability of the connection for different business needs.
MTN’s entry into the satellite internet market adds another dimension to competition in Uganda’s telecommunications sector, where operators are increasingly seeking to differentiate their services through coverage, pricing and specialised connectivity solutions.
The launch also forms part of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which aims to expand digital services across Africa. The company already provides mobile connectivity, fibre internet and managed network services, with satellite technology offering an additional option for enterprise customers.
Despite the expansion of satellite services, affordability and access to the required equipment remain potential barriers to wider adoption. Satellite connectivity is therefore unlikely to resolve Uganda’s digital access challenges on its own, particularly for customers who cannot afford the associated costs.
For businesses operating beyond the reach of conventional networks, however, the technology offers an alternative for improving operations and participating in an economy increasingly dependent on digital services.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
