In a major advancement for Sub-Saharan Africa’s rail infrastructure, Airtel Africa recently tested satellite-powered internet connectivity on a moving train, marking a significant development for the region’s transport and digital sectors. Conducted in partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, the pilot demonstrated that uninterrupted high-speed broadband can be maintained across a remote and forested section of Sub-Saharan Africa. Using Airtel Satellite for Business its enterprise connectivity Arm the network remained stable through most of the journey, achieving download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and uploads of 20 Mbps. This successful test stresses the transformative potential of satellite internet in areas where traditional mobile and fibre infrastructure are limited or unavailable.
According to Airtel Africa, this achievement illustrates that satellite technology can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity across Africa’s most challenging transport corridors. The development could change how railway operators communicate, monitor operations, and deliver services, while also improving passenger experiences through onboard Wi-Fi and digital ticketing.
Transforming Rail Operations and Safety
Connectivity has long been one of the biggest challenges in Africa’s transport corridors. Many rail networks stretch across remote areas with limited or no mobile coverage, constraining real-time communication and operational efficiency. With satellite-enabled broadband, this gap can finally be bridged. Railway operators can now enhance safety systems, employ predictive maintenance, and respond faster to emergencies. Moreover, logistics data integration allows for better coordination between mining sites, ports, and industrial hubs, strengthening Africa’s position in global supply chains.
Satellite connectivity can also change the passenger experience. With stable, high-speed internet, travellers will gain access to entertainment, real-time journey updates, and mobile ticketing platforms. These innovations align with Africa’s broader push toward digital transformation in public transport systems.
Bridging Africa’s Connectivity Divide
The International Telecommunication Union reports that mobile broadband coverage in Africa reached 86% in 2024, yet 14% of the population remains unconnected rising to 25% in rural areas. While most Africans have access to 4G networks, millions still depend on 3G, which limits their ability to engage with digital services. Satellite-powered rail connectivity directly addresses this challenge by extending coverage to remote and transit corridors, enabling continuous, high-speed access where fibre and mobile networks cannot reach.
Driving Regional Integration and Digital Transformation
Airtel Africa’s successful trial complements regional development goals such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030) and the infrastructure ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By extending enterprise-grade satellite solutions to countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Gabon, and Madagascar, Airtel is helping to build the foundation for smart logistics and digitally integrated transport networks.
The partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb places Airtel among the leading players alongside Starlink and Avanti Communications advancing low-Earth orbit satellite broadband across Africa. For a company serving over 150 million mobile users in 14 markets, this innovation showcases positive steps toward bridging digital gaps and supporting mission-critical communication in industries such as mining, energy, and transport. Airtel Africa noted that the success of the train connectivity test proves that satellite technology can deliver consistent, high-capacity internet in motion even across the continent’s toughest terrains by integrating digital infrastructure into rail systems.
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