AXIAN Telecom has partnered with AST SpaceMobile to introduce Africa’s first direct-to-device (D2D) satellite-based mobile broadband service, aimed at expanding connectivity to remote and underserved regions across the continent.
The collaboration will enable voice, video, data and internet services to be delivered directly to standard smartphones, without requiring specialised hardware or additional applications. The network will rely on AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites in low Earth orbit, capable of delivering 4G LTE and 5G connectivity directly to existing mobile devices.
Under the agreement, the satellite network will be integrated into the core infrastructure of AXIAN Telecom’s pan-African telecom brand Yas, extending network coverage across its operating markets. The service will support connectivity in rural areas as well as maritime and aviation zones where traditional terrestrial infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
Beyond consumer connectivity, the partnership will also enable services for enterprises, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, maritime and aviation sectors, and emergency response systems. Yas will manage local distribution, regulatory coordination, and customer activation, including a one-click activation process for SpaceMobile services.
The initiative forms part of Yas’ Data4All strategy, which focuses on providing reliable network access to consumers and businesses across its markets. The companies said the project will also enhance communication resilience by ensuring connectivity during emergencies or situations where terrestrial networks are disrupted.
AXIAN Telecom CEO Hassan Jaber stated that the partnership aims to bridge Africa’s connectivity gap by extending reliable network access beyond urban centres. He noted that the technology’s compatibility with standard smartphones allows underserved communities to benefit from connectivity without needing new devices.
AST SpaceMobile President Scott Wisniewski said the partnership represents a major step toward expanding space-based cellular broadband globally, bringing connectivity to communities beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure.
The service will be rolled out following regulatory approvals across Yas’ operating markets, with compatibility designed to support evolving 5G and IoT standards.
