Sonatel Deploys OneWeb Ground Station in Senegal as Global Satellite Connectivity Push Intensifies

Senegalese telecommunications operator Sonatel has deployed a satellite ground station to support Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) fleet, marking a significant step in expanding satellite-based connectivity across Africa. The new infrastructure, known as a Satellite Network Portal (SNP), is located at Sonatel’s teleport in Gandoul and features 16 satellite antennas spread across five hectares.

The Gandoul site holds historical importance, dating back to the early 1970s when it hosted Africa’s first ground station. It was originally opened by the state-owned company that later evolved into Sonatel, in which Orange holds a significant minority stake. The deployment strengthens Sonatel’s existing teleport capabilities and reinforces its long-term investment strategy in digital infrastructure for the region. “With the deployment of this Eutelsat OneWeb Gateway and its 16 next-generation satellite antennas, Sonatel is strengthening its historical teleport and confirming its commitment to long-term investment in high-level digital infrastructure serving Senegal and Africa,” said Brelotte Ba, CEO of Sonatel.

OneWeb currently operates dozens of ground station sites globally to support its LEO fleet of approximately 600 satellites, while Eutelsat maintains its own extensive portfolio of ground stations for its geostationary satellites. The partnership comes amid broader industry dynamics: Eutelsat had planned to carve out its ground station infrastructure into a separate company following an $831 million sale-leaseback deal with EQT, but the French government blocked the transaction earlier this year.

The Gandoul teleport has also previously hosted an O3b mPOWER ground station for SES, which was the company’s first such facility in Africa. The latest deployment is seen as part of a broader digital transformation across the continent. “Africa is experiencing unprecedented digital momentum. Investments are accelerating, needs are exploding, and new connectivity routes—via submarine cables, terrestrial fiber, and satellites—are emerging rapidly,” said Michaël Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, on LinkedIn. “Gandoul embodies this transition: it preserves our heritage while building the connectivity of tomorrow, fostering strategic autonomy, resilience, and competitiveness in the era of New Space.” Philippe Baudrier, managing director of Pan-African ISP Konnect Africa, added, “The inauguration of the Gandoul Gateway marks a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with Sonatel.”

In related developments, Canadian telecom Bell Canada announced the completion of its first sovereign direct-to-device satellite ground station in Québec, designed to connect with AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-cell satellites. Testing has begun at the facility, and once operational, it will support services including messaging, data connectivity, voice calling, and video streaming. Additional ground stations are under construction in Ontario, Alberta, Newfoundland, and Labrador. “The satellite ground infrastructure we’re building is designed to support a full suite of direct-to-device capabilities, including messaging, data connectivity, voice calling, and video streaming, helping extend connectivity to remote and underserved areas,” said Mark McDonald, Bell EVP and CTO. Bell invested in AST SpaceMobile in 2021 through its Bell Ventures arm, and the two companies completed a space-based direct-to-cell 4G VoLTE call, broadband data, and video streaming test last year. Chris Ivory, AST SpaceMobile’s chief commercial officer, noted, “Canada’s vast and diverse geography presents a unique need to extend cellular broadband beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial infrastructure.” New Zealand telco 2degrees is also building ground stations to support AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-cell services.

Meanwhile, Amazon announced this week that its Amazon Leo satellite service has partnered with Herotel, South Africa’s largest fixed internet service provider. Herotel will use Amazon’s satellite capacity to provide connectivity to homes and small businesses in areas where fiber and fixed wireless services are unavailable, launching its satellite offering under the brand Evry in 2027. Amazon described this as its first deal of its type in Africa. Herotel currently serves more than 350,000 active customers across over 550 towns through fiber and fixed wireless networks.