Access to internet has become a fundamental aspect of modern life, according to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) more than 400 million people, equivalent to 5 percent of the global population, are living in areas without mobile broadband coverage. ALSO READ: Digital strategy experts across Africa push for more collaborative initiatives Sub-Saharan Africa stands out as the region with the largest coverage and usage gaps, with more than 180 million people, or 15 percent of the population, residing in areas devoid of coverage. Furthermore, 59 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa's population lives in areas with connectivity but remains unconnected due to various socio-economic challenges. Here are four emerging trends and innovations unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC Kigali) that could not only boost mobile internet connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa but also revolutionize various industries. ALSO READ: Closing the digital divide: Initiatives, challenges in smartphone affordability World Mobile and GSMA Foundry's Telecoms Aerostat World Mobile, in collaboration with GSMA Foundry, introduced Africa's first commercial telecommunications aerostat in Mozambique. These aerostats, which are essentially tethered balloons equipped with technology, serve as floating cell towers. The primary goal is to provide last-mile connectivity to underserved rural areas using a custom radio payload. With a standard cellular connectivity radius of up to 130 kilometers, these aerostats overcome the challenges posed by terrain, infrastructure limitations, and cost constraints. World Mobile's hybrid dynamic network combines ground and aerial infrastructure, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional mobile network expansion. Rwanda and SoftBank’s 5G Connectivity from the Stratosphere The Rwandan government partnered with SoftBank to test SoftBank's advanced 5G communications technology delivered from a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) prototype in the stratosphere. ALSO READ: Rwanda, SoftBank deliver ‘World’s first 5G connectivity from the stratosphere’ The stratospheric drone, equipped with SoftBank's 5G technology, provided uninterrupted 5G connectivity for approximately 73 minutes at an altitude of 16.9 kilometers. This success has opened the door to potential applications in remote areas, particularly in education and community digitalization. Ericsson and TDC NET's BVLOS Drones Ericsson and TDC NET joined forces to develop a 5G-enabled communication infrastructure for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drones. This innovative solution offers drones access to a vast pool of telecom intelligence while ensuring secure and consistent connectivity to the TDC NET mobile network. The implications are far-reaching, enabling drones for environmental inspections, precision farming, and even as first responders in emergencies. This technology could pave the way for a more sustainable future. ZTE and China Mobile's Smart Agri Project ZTE and China Mobile harnessed 5G connectivity to fully automate rice production on 12,000 acres of marginal land in Jilin Province. Their 5G-enabled farm management solution optimizes the use of water, fertilizer, fuel, and seeds while significantly reducing labor costs. The project has already demonstrated economic benefits, with a 10 percent increase in output and savings in materials and labor costs. The smart irrigation system, which uses 40 percent less water than conventional methods, showcases the potential of 5G in agriculture. These innovations unveiled at MWC Kigali signify progress toward addressing the mobile internet connectivity gap in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through technology and collaboration, these solutions offer the promise of transforming education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic opportunities in underserved regions.
