Shaw: Satellites boost, not threaten MNOs

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE rapid rise of satellite-based connectivity is reshaping Africa’s telecommunications landscape, but industry leaders insist it will complement—not replace—existing mobile networks.

Speaking at the Africa Telecoms Executive Roundtable 2026, hosted by CAJ News Africa and CAJ Global, Bradley Shaw moved to dispel growing concerns about the impact of satellite-to-device connectivity on traditional operators.

Shaw, Vice President for the Middle East and Africa at Lynk World, was unequivocal in his assessment.

“There is absolutely no question that terrestrial and satellite infrastructure will continue to exist in parallel and work together seamlessly,” he said.

Addressing fears of displacement, he stressed: “The satellite cannot compete in terms of capacity to the end device on the ground.”

He explained that terrestrial networks—built by vendors such as Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia—remain unmatched in handling high volumes of data, particularly in dense urban environments.

“A high site in an urban area cannot be matched by a LEO satellite in terms of the volume it can carry,” Shaw said.

“The one is not going to replace the other.”

Instead, direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity is emerging as a powerful extension of existing networks.

By linking mobile devices directly to low Earth orbit satellites without ground antennas, the technology promises universal coverage.

“There is now, finally, a solution that provides ubiquitous coverage—no matter where you are, no matter your economic means,” Shaw noted.

For Africa, where connectivity gaps persist across vast rural and remote regions, this represents a breakthrough.

“We are expanding the market rather than contracting it,” Shaw emphasised.

“We are providing services to people who have never been covered before.”

He pointed to new possibilities across farmlands, deserts and oceans, noting: “This is brand new territory that has never been covered before.”

The benefits extend beyond basic communication.

Satellite D2D connectivity can enable Internet of Things (IoT) applications in previously unreachable areas, supporting agriculture, environmental monitoring and logistics.

Shaw cited an example of deploying internet of things (IoT) solutions in desert regions where traditional infrastructure is economically unviable.

“From a direct-to-device standpoint, that becomes an opportunity,” he said.

However, Shaw acknowledged that satellite systems have limitations, particularly in capacity.

This is where collaboration becomes essential.

“When we hit capacity constraints, that becomes a network planning opportunity for terrestrial operators,” he explained.

“You then deploy infrastructure where demand is proven, making it a lower-risk investment.”

Central to this evolving ecosystem is partnership.

Shaw stressed that satellite operators are not competitors to mobile network operators (MNOs), but collaborators.

“We are not trying to compete with them. We are working with them to provide coverage where their customers are,” he said.

“We make revenue when they make revenue—it is a win-win approach.”

This partnership model is already shaping how companies like Lynk World operate across Africa.

By integrating with local operators, satellite providers ensure that services remain aligned with national markets while supporting domestic industry.

“Satellite operators rely on local companies,” Shaw noted. “Everything else is localised—we are building, not just renting.”

Despite the promise, regulatory fragmentation remains a major hurdle.

Shaw called for greater harmonisation across African markets, warning that inconsistent rules complicate deployment.

“The regulations are different in most countries, which makes market entry more complex,” he said, urging stronger coordination through continental bodies.

He also highlighted the broader socio-economic implications of connectivity.

Satellite technology, combined with reliable energy solutions, can unlock Africa’s untapped human capital.

“Africa has more than enough talent—the problem is accessing that talent,” Shaw said, linking digital inclusion to economic growth.

Ultimately, Shaw framed the rise of satellite connectivity not as a threat, but as an opportunity.

By extending coverage to the unconnected, enabling new industries and working alongside terrestrial networks, satellites can accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.

“The more operators we partner with, the more connectivity we can provide to communities that need it most,” he concluded.

– CAJ News