SES and AMN Expand Rural Connectivity across Cte d'Ivoire with Major Network Upgrade

Over 200 upgraded sites now delivering 2G and 3G mobile data services to more than half a million people

Luxembourg, November 11, 2025 - SES and Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) today announced the successful upgrade of more than 200 telecom sites across C te d'Ivoire to deliver reliable 2G and 3G mobile data services, extending affordable connectivity to over 500,000 people in rural and previously underserved areas.

Completed between May and June 2025, this milestone marks another major step in SES's and AMN's shared mission to bring affordable, high-quality communications infrastructure to remote communities across Africa.

Since beginning operations in C te d'Ivoire in 2022 with 60 sites, AMN has continued to expand rapidly. Today, AMN operates over 300 sites, delivering telecommunications services, via SES satellites, to more than 700,000 people. Construction is underway in the next phase of expansion, which will bring the total network to 360 sites by year-end 2025. The company's first 4G sites are expected to go live in November 2025, further enhancing mobile data access and user experience nationwide.

AMN connects rural communities across sub-Saharan Africa, pioneering sustainable and scalable solutions to reach millions without telecom access. As an OEM for its own Radio Access Network equipment, AMN controls design, performance and cost. Its platform supports 2G, 3G, 4G, and future 5G on a single unit, enabling multiple carriers to operate efficiently without extra cost or power-delivering connectivity at a fraction of traditional deployment costs. The ARN (AMN Radio Node) uses a software-defined radio to allow remote upgrade without necessitating a physical presence on site.

To meet the growing demand for data services in C te d'Ivoire, SES has expanded satellite capacity for AMN, enabling faster, more reliable connectivity for mobile operators and their customers. As data usage continues to rise, SES will further scale its capacity to support AMN's ongoing network growth and service enhancements across the country.

Recent research highlights the social and economic impact of this network expansion. In a survey of over 300 users at AMN sites, 99% saw the arrival of the telecom tower as a positive development, particularly for connectivity and local business support:

81% use the service for mobile money transactions, enabling secure and efficient transfers.

50% reported receiving financial assistance, 76% of which was delivered via mobile money.

42% use mobile services for education, while 33% rely on them for healthcare access.

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, AMN. Connectivity is a catalyst for economic growth, by extending reliable voice and data services to rural areas, we are helping communities unlock new opportunities for learning, trade and innovation.

As a long-standing partner of AMN, we fully believe in the transformative impact of their work - vital in bringing reliable connectivity to underserved and unserved communities across Africa, said Jean-Philippe Gillet, president Fixed and Maritime Vertical. At SES, we remain committed to delivering connectivity everywhere, bridging the digital divide, and enabling access to essential services for communities around the world.

Millions of people in rural sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to basic telecommunications. Expanding reliable voice, messaging, and data services is essential to provide the foundation for digital tools such as mobile money, e-learning, telemedicine, and agricultural market information systems, driving inclusion and sustainable development.

Photo credit: AMN

LINK:	https://www.ses.com/press-release/ses-and-amn-expand-rural-connectivit...
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