• Sonatel Orange launches high-speed satellite internet services nationwide

• The operator targets near-universal coverage by combining satellite, fiber, 5G, and 4G

• The rollout supports Senegal’s Horizon 2050 digital infrastructure strategy

Sonatel Orange announced on December 22 the launch of its first high-speed satellite internet (VSAT) services in Senegal. The move positions the operator as the first in the market to offer near-national coverage by combining satellite technology with fiber-optic networks, 5G, and 4G, with the aim of narrowing access gaps between urban centers and remote areas.

Sonatel, premier opérateur de l’Internet par satellite au Sénégal

Grâce à l’Internet par satellite, les zones les plus éloignées peuvent désormais accéder à une connectivité fiable, en complément de la Fibre, de la 4G et de la 5G.

L’offre satellite Orange renforce la résilience… pic.twitter.com/AwrjjM9jOd

— Groupe Sonatel (@GroupeSonatel) December 22, 2025

Speaking at the launch, Sonatel Group Chief Executive Officer Brelotte Ba said the deployment aligns with the Senegalese government’s vision to modernize digital infrastructure. He said the operator now has the technological and operational capacity to support the implementation of the Senegal Horizon 2050 plan, relying on local infrastructure and national expertise.

Operationally, Sonatel Orange is using a technology mix that combines fixed networks, next-generation mobile networks, and satellite solutions. In partnership with Eutelsat/Konnect, the operator has been marketing satellite internet offers since December 10 for households and businesses, with coverage estimated at around 99% of the country. The unlimited plans primarily target rural, border, and hard-to-reach areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.

The initiative fits into a broader public policy framework aimed at reducing territorial disparities and strengthening nationwide digital continuity. As part of this effort, Sonatel also plans to deploy an additional one million fiber-optic connections between 2026 and 2028, raising the number of homes that can be connected to nearly two million by 2028, including areas that have so far been underserved.

Beyond infrastructure expansion, the project also carries institutional and economic implications. By positioning itself as a technology partner to the state and local governments, Sonatel aims to support the digitalization of public services, particularly in education, healthcare, and public administration. The goal is to improve citizen access to essential digital services and strengthen digital inclusion across the country.

Samira Njoya