Mauritania is turning to satellite technology to expand internet access across the country and reduce the digital divide, as nearly 63 of the population remained offline in 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union ITU. On January 22, the Mauritanian Regulatory Authority ARE announced the launch of an international tender to award licenses for mobile electronic communications services via satellite or the sale of satellite capacity. The tender will include two batches: one for operators providing direct retail services to the public using geostationary GEO satellites, and another for the sale of satellite capacity to operators or private entities without direct public service provision.
This initiative reflects a broader trend across Africa, where satellite connectivity is increasingly seen as a solution to bridge the digital divide, particularly in regions with challenging terrain or sparse populations. According to GSMA's The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2024 report, satellite and aerial connectivity solutions are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving universal connectivity across the continent. In Mauritania, 2G network coverage reached 97 of the population in 2023, while 3G and 4G coverage stood at 43.9 and 34.7 respectively in 2022, with internet penetration estimated at 37.4.
The Mauritanian telecom market is currently dominated by Chinguitel, Mattel, and Moov Mauritel, with regulators actively enforcing service quality and coverage obligations, particularly along major transport routes, including through sanctions when operators fail to comply. While low Earth orbit LEO satellite providers such as Starlink and Amazon are not yet authorized to offer direct services to the public, they are expected to seek licenses in the future, with Starlink planning a commercial launch in Mauritania in 2026. The country's move highlights a growing focus on satellite solutions to bring reliable, nationwide internet access to underserved populations.
