MTN South Africa, in collaboration with Chinese vendor ZTE Corporation, has launched Africa’s first 5G maritime coverage off the coast of Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This deployment marks a significant breakthrough in ocean-based connectivity, with promises to enhance tourism, fisheries, and the overall maritime economy while supporting ecological preservation efforts.
In a release, ZTE described this as a milestone in broadband communications, highlighting that it delivers over 210Mbps throughput at a distance of 22 km from the shore. This new standard in maritime communication is expected to improve operational efficiency in industries like shipping, fishing, and marine research. It will also enable real-time applications such as video streaming for sea rescue missions and environmental monitoring, supporting sustainable marine resource usage.
“By launching Africa’s first 5G maritime network in South Africa, MTN is setting a new benchmark in connectivity,” asserted Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa. “This innovation opens up new horizons for economic growth and technological advancement across the continent.”
Rami Farah, CTO of MTN South Africa, emphasized the multifaceted benefits. He stated, “By integrating 5G Ultra Maritime Coverage, we are not only expanding our network’s reach but also opening new avenues for economic growth and enhancing the travel experience for tourists. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation and supporting local communities.”
The 5G maritime network is expected to introduce new applications, including remote vessel tracking, advanced navigation systems, and enhanced communication tools. This implementation marks a significant advancement, providing high-speed internet access to previously underserved areas, thereby improving the operational efficiency of maritime activities.
MTN launched its 5G network in South Africa in 2020 and has since expanded its coverage to 44% of the population, a notable increase from 25% in the previous year. The carrier has also deployed 900 new 5G sites in 2024. This new maritime coverage signifies an important step in MTN’s strategy to broaden 5G availability across the country.
Interestingly, in November 2023, Telkomsel, in partnership with ZTE, launched MarineMobile, a long-range mobile communications solution aimed at helping fishermen overcome operational challenges. This solution offers access to weather forecasts, optimal fishing locations, GPS tracking, and real-time access to direct fish buyers in the market.
The MarineMobile solution reflects a continuation of the collaboration between Telkomsel and ZTE, originally established in 2023. This partnership focused on enhancing 5G network capabilities based on the 2.3 GHz frequency band, aimed at expanding broadband services coverage for maritime regions.
