12 November 2025
SES and Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) have announced the successful upgrade of more than 200 telecom sites across Côte d’Ivoire, significantly enhancing 2G and 3G mobile services.
This initiative has brought reliable, affordable connectivity to over 500,000 people in rural and underserved regions, marking a major milestone in expanding digital access across Africa.
Completed between May and June 2025, this project continues the rapid expansion of AMN’s network, which began operations in Côte d’Ivoire in 2022 with 60 sites. Today, AMN manages over 300 sites delivering telecom services via SES satellites to more than 700,000 residents. The next phase will see the network grow to 360 sites by the end of 2025, with the rollout of the country’s first 4G sites expected in November 2025, further improving mobile data access and user experience nationwide.
AMN specializes in connecting rural communities across sub-Saharan Africa through sustainable, scalable solutions. As an OEM of its own Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment, AMN maintains full control over design, performance, and cost. Its platform supports 2G, 3G, 4G, and future 5G services on a single, multi-carrier unit, enabling efficient operation without additional costs or power consumption. The innovative ARN (AMN Radio Node) employs a software-defined radio that allows remote upgrades, eliminating the need for physical site visits.
To support the rising demand for data services in Côte d’Ivoire, SES has expanded satellite capacity for AMN, ensuring faster, more reliable connectivity for mobile users. SES plans to further scale capacity as data usage accelerates, underpinning AMN’s continued network growth and service improvements across the country.
Research indicates the profound social and economic benefits of this network expansion. A survey of over 300 users at AMN sites revealed:
• 99% viewed the telecom towers positively, especially for connectivity and local business support.
• 81% use mobile services for money transactions, facilitating secure and efficient transfers.
• 50% received financial assistance, with 76% of it via mobile money.
• 42% rely on mobile services for education, while 33% use 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. Connectivity acts as a catalyst for economic growth, unlocking new opportunities for learning, trade, and innovation,” said Michael Darcy, CEO of AMN.
“As a long-standing partner of AMN, we believe deeply in their mission to bring reliable connectivity to underserved communities across Africa. SES remains committed to delivering connectivity everywhere — bridging the digital divide and enabling access to vital services for communities worldwide,” said Jean-Philippe Gillet, President of Fixed and Maritime Vertical at SES.
Despite progress, millions in rural sub-Saharan Africa still lack basic telecommunications. Expanding dependable voice, messaging, and data services is essential for supporting mobile money, e-learning, telemedicine, and agricultural markets — foundations for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
