Axian Telecom partners with AST SpaceMobile for pan-African D2D

Axian Telecom, the parent company of pan-African operator Yas, has signed a deal with AST SpaceMobile to bring direct-to-device satellite services to Yas’ markets in sub-Saharan Africa. The partnership aims to extend mobile coverage by connecting standard mobile phones directly to satellites, targeting areas where building traditional network infrastructure is difficult or uneconomical.

The service is planned for Yas operations across the region, but specific launch timelines, pricing, and technical details were not disclosed. The agreement positions satellite connectivity as a supplement to existing terrestrial networks, with a focus on improving basic mobile access in underserved and remote communities.