Thuraya-4 Expands Satellite Connectivity With Launch in South Africa
Thuraya has entered the South African market with the commercial rollout of its next-generation Thuraya-4 satellite, marking its first operational presence in the country. The expansion enhances secure and reliable communications across key sectors, and it also reinforces national efforts to broaden digital access. As the country invests heavily in telecommunications and space infrastructure, advanced satellite capabilities play an increasingly important role. Therefore, the launch arrives at a strategic moment for industries such as energy, mining, maritime, government, and humanitarian operations.
South Africa’s broader digital inclusion goals gain additional support through this initiative. Since remote regions often struggle with network limitations, the coverage boost directly improves mobility and reliability for mission-critical use cases. The move ultimately strengthens the country’s communication resilience while expanding opportunities for sector-wide modernization.
New Capabilities for Mission-Critical Operations
“Thuraya has delivered mobile satellite services across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia for more than two decades, supporting customers where coverage and continuity are essential. South Africa’s focus on digital inclusion and infrastructure resilience makes it an important addition to that journey. Through Thuraya-4, we are proud to support that shared ambition.”
Thuraya-4 introduces a new standard for mobile connectivity, and its L-band payload enables dynamic bandwidth allocation and intelligent coverage configuration. Since the system includes a software-defined architecture, it adapts more easily to urgent communication demands. It also works seamlessly with terrestrial networks, so users benefit from uninterrupted service even in severe weather or isolated locations where traditional connectivity fails. Furthermore, these capabilities help organizations improve safety, coordination, and operational efficiency across diverse environments.
The company has collaborated closely with regulators and industry partners to support local priorities. This approach ensures that the rollout aligns with broader national goals while reinforcing long-term digital development plans.
Broader Strategy Across the Continent
Thuraya’s expansion forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen digital access and geospatial infrastructure throughout Africa. In Zimbabwe, the company has connected more than 1,000 schools and 500 clinics, and the next phase aims to reach 2,500 additional schools serving 1.9 million students. Because improved connectivity accelerates educational and healthcare progress, these projects deliver meaningful social impact.
In Rwanda, Mira Aerospace conducted the world’s first 5G video call from a fixed-wing high-altitude platform. This breakthrough demonstrated new ways to extend broadband coverage beyond traditional satellite and terrestrial limits. As these initiatives continue, the region benefits from stronger digital resilience and more innovative communication solutions.
