Sky and Space in trial agreement with Nigerian telco

Sky and Space Global has signed a trial agreement with leading African mobile telecommunications provider MTN Nigeria covering the use of the ASX listed company’s satellite-based, narrow-band communications network.

Under the agreement, the two companies will examine the potential for collaborative projects using advanced Internet of Things, or “IoT”, and narrow band applications in the growing African market.

This will be completed with the intention of progressing to a commercial agreement.

MTN Nigeria, part of MTN Group, is the largest privately-owned mobile operator in Africa, Europe and the Middle East with 52 million subscribers.

It provides telecommunications services to 233 cities and towns, over 10,000 villages, and a growing number of highways across Nigeria.

Sky and Space seeks to offer a narrow-band communications network using an entire constellation of 200 miniature satellites with the first batch expected to be blasted into space by mid-2019.

The network will provide affordable satellite mobile phone calls, text messaging and data services for remote and regional areas around the globe that are currently underserviced by the cellular players.

Managing Director Meir Moalem said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with MTN Nigeria and see the strong potential of our advanced IoT and narrow band technology to open up the telecommunications market in Africa.”

“There is a clear need to provide large, underserviced populations with access to affordable and reliable telecommunication services, and our nano-satellite technology provides regional telecommunication providers with a disruptive and cost-effective satellite alternative.”

Last month, the company signed a reseller MoU with Jakarta-based Cendrawasih Teknologi Nusantara that has the potential to open up a giant market of 260 million customers in Indonesia.

Sky and Space also signed a reseller MoU with Spanish telco Global Telesat and a trial service agreement with Brazil’s Telespazio Brasil in January.