October 8, 2025 — Airtel Africa has achieved a major milestone in digital connectivity, successfully testing satellite-powered internet on a moving train—a first for sub-Saharan Africa. The breakthrough demonstrates that high-speed, uninterrupted internet can be delivered across vast, remote regions where cell towers and fiber networks are not feasible.
The trial, conducted over 669 kilometers of forested and rural terrain, leveraged Airtel Satellite for Business in partnership with Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The test achieved download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps, maintaining strong performance even through dense forest coverage.
Redefining Rail Connectivity Across Africa
The results mark a major leap in transportation and infrastructure digitization. With satellite internet onboard, railway operators can now benefit from real-time data monitoring, predictive maintenance, and emergency response capabilities. For passengers, the possibilities include reliable onboard Wi-Fi, digital ticketing, real-time travel updates, and streaming services, transforming the travel experience.
Expanding Satellite Coverage
Building on this success, Airtel and Eutelsat/OneWeb plan to expand the Airtel Satellite for Business initiative across Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Madagascar, and Gabon, bringing high-speed broadband to some of Africa’s most remote and underserved areas.
This pioneering trial underscores Airtel Africa’s commitment to bridging the connectivity gap through innovation, reinforcing its role as a key player in advancing digital inclusion and smart infrastructure across the continent.
