SES and AMN Expand Rural Connectivity across Côte d’Ivoire with Major Network Upgrade
SES and Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) have completed a major network upgrade of more than 200 telecommunications sites across Côte d’Ivoire, delivering reliable 2G and 3G mobile data services and extending connectivity to over 500,000 people in previously underserved rural areas.
The upgrades, completed between May and June 2025, represent a key milestone in SES’s and AMN’s ongoing mission to provide affordable, high-quality communications infrastructure to remote communities across Africa.
Since commencing operations in Côte d’Ivoire in 2022 with 60 sites, AMN has rapidly expanded its footprint. Today, the company operates over 300 sites, delivering telecommunications services via SES satellites to more than 700,000 users. Construction is underway on the next expansion phase, which will increase the network to 360 sites by year-end 2025, with the first 4G sites scheduled to go live in November 2025, further enhancing mobile data access nationwide.
Innovative Network Design for Scalable Rural Connectivity
AMN connects rural communities across sub-Saharan Africa using sustainable, scalable solutions to reach populations without conventional telecom access. As an OEM for its own Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment, AMN retains full control over design, performance, and costs. Its platform supports 2G, 3G, 4G, and future 5G services on a single unit, enabling multiple operators to share infrastructure efficiently without additional hardware or power requirements.
The AMN Radio Node (ARN) employs software-defined radio technology, enabling remote upgrades and system improvements without physical site visits, a feature critical for maintaining reliable service across dispersed rural networks.
Enhanced Capacity and Service Quality
To meet the growing demand for mobile data, SES has expanded satellite capacity for AMN, enabling faster, more reliable connectivity for mobile operators and end users. SES plans to continue scaling capacity to support AMN’s ongoing network growth and service enhancements throughout Côte d’Ivoire.
Recent surveys underscore the social and economic impact of these upgrades. Among 300 users sampled at AMN sites:
- 81% use the service for mobile money transactions, enabling secure, efficient financial transfers.
- 50% reported receiving financial aid, with 76% of assistance delivered via mobile money.
- 42% leverage mobile connectivity for education, while 33% use it to access healthcare services.
“These upgrades not only bring internet access to remote regions but also empower local businesses, farmers, and families through digital inclusion,” said Michael Darcy, CEO of AMN. “Connectivity is a catalyst for economic growth. By extending reliable voice and data services to rural communities, we are helping unlock new opportunities for learning, trade, and innovation.”
“As a long-standing partner of AMN, we fully recognise the transformative impact of their work,” said Jean-Philippe Gillet, President, Fixed and Maritime Vertical, SES. “Providing reliable connectivity to underserved and unserved communities is vital. SES remains committed to bridging the digital divide and enabling access to essential services for communities across Africa and beyond.”
Connectivity as a Driver of Sustainable Development
Despite significant progress, millions in rural sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to basic telecommunications. Expanding reliable voice, messaging, and data services is essential to underpin digital tools such as mobile money, e-learning, telemedicine, and agricultural market information systems, all of which contribute to inclusion, economic resilience, and sustainable development. With the Côte d’Ivoire network upgrade, SES and AMN are advancing Africa’s digital transformation, demonstrating how satellite-enabled connectivity can deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to rural communities.