Case Study: Vodacom Congo expands rural mobile coverage and improves safety with Intelsat satellite connectivity

Vodacom Congo expands to 800 rural sites with Intelsat

Vodacom Congo, a leading mobile operator in the Democratic Republic of Congo, faced the immense challenge of profitably expanding cellular service to millions of people in remote, rural areas. The difficult terrain, lack of electrical infrastructure, and high costs of building and powering terrestrial networks made a viable business case nearly impossible. Intelsat worked with the mobile operator to develop a customized plan to overcome these hurdles.

Intelsat implemented a cost-effective, turnkey solution combining satellite connectivity from its Intelsat Epic platform with small-cell RAN and solar power. This approach minimized capital expenses and enabled reliable 3G service in isolated communities. The results were substantial: Vodacom Congo rapidly scaled to 800 sites, achieved the highest subscriber base in the DRC, and captured new market share. The solution also delivered a major positive impact by improving safety, enabling new economic opportunities, and enhancing the well-being of the region's residents.

Vodacom Congo