SES Satellites and Africa Mobile Network (AMN) have expanded connectivity infrastructure across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), now supporting more than 1,100 base stations and increasing population coverage by 27%, bringing mobile network access within reach for more people, many in rural communities.
There is a clear demand for connectivity across the region, a direct result of the mission to bring rural DRC online. For AMN and SES, that’s not just a percentage; it represents millions of people accessing mobile network services for the very first time.
Through this collaboration, AMN installed an additional 292 new mobile network base stations across the country using capacity provided by SES, providing critical telecommunication services to more than 5.8m people.
The sites were deployed in just 90 days. But the numbers only tell half the story.
Michael Darcy, CEO of Africa Mobile Network, said: “Building nearly 300 sites in just three months, under some of the toughest conditions imaginable, is an extraordinary achievement. This is what happens when determination meets purpose. This is exactly why AMN exists: to connect even the most remote communities sustainably, reliably, and at scale.”
At the heart of AMN’s work is the belief that connectivity should be accessible to all. Deployment teams frequently navigated impassable roads and, in some cases, carried equipment on foot for miles through dense terrain when vehicles could go no further. Their efforts ultimately enabled an additional 1.3 million people in rural areas to gain access to essential mobile services.
AMN maintains that it can deliver mobile connectivity to any community worldwide with a population of more than 1,000 residents. Its partnership with SES is central to that ambition. The network sites are fully solar-powered and rely on VSAT backhaul, allowing them to operate independently of power grids, fibre infrastructure, or pre-existing mobile networks—making deployment possible even in the most isolated regions.
However, this independence brings significant logistical hurdles. Installation teams often travel into areas lacking basic infrastructure, becoming the first to establish communication pathways in previously disconnected regions.
To enhance efficiency, AMN has developed its proprietary AMN Radio Node (ARN), a multi-technology platform that enables multiple carriers to operate from a single unit. The system supports 2G, 3G, 4G, and future 5G technologies without requiring additional capital expenditure or increased power consumption. By designing and manufacturing the ARN in-house, AMN has reduced investment costs while delivering high-performance, energy-efficient connectivity.
Jean-Philippe Gillet, President of Fixed Data at SES, added: “Connecting to SES’ multi-orbit satellite network offers a multi-orbit constellation (GEO, MEO AND LEO) providing data connectivity services to over 1 billion people worldwide. This includes some of the most remote, unreachable parts of the globe. It is encouraging and inspiring to see how digital transformation profoundly reshaped daily life across the DRC has.”
“Before the installation, we had to travel across difficult terrain for about 30 km to seek medical help, make a call or to complete a simple bank transaction. Today thanks to AMN this has been replaced with a clear connection, providing our community with crystal clear connectivity and the ability to seamlessly manage our finances from the palm of our hand,” explained a local resident in Bompensole, a village connected in November 2025.
By providing reliable connectivity, SES and AMN have empowered local entrepreneurs to scale their operations and access real-time market pricing. Students can leverage online resources to deepen their comprehension and academic performance, fostering a more knowledgeable generation. Healthcare delivery has been transformed as local clinics can now consult with external specialists in real-time, ensuring more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes.
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