The world is experiencing a significant shift as 5G adoption increases across various industries. With its capacity for high-speed data transfer, low latency, and ability to support massive device connectivity, it creates new opportunities for productivity and efficiency.
But what happens when we push 5G beyond its usual limits on land? While much of the conversation around 5G still focuses on land-based applications, In Africa, we’re now seeing this transformative technology extend into more unconventional spaces—beyond cities and towns into coastal areas and even out into the open ocean. This shift opens up exciting new possibilities for industries like maritime, tourism, and coastal economies.
A recent project led by MTN and ZTE successfully expanded 5G coverage 22 kilometers offshore, proving that 5G can reach far beyond traditional terrestrial networks. The 5G Ultra-range Maritime Coverage Project not only demonstrated the technical capability of extending coverage into territorial waters but also highlighted the potential for new applications and services for those operating in or near the sea.
In this TechTalk Thursday article, we’ll explore the vast potential of 5G beyond traditional terrestrial connectivity. We’ll discuss how this advancement could impact industries such as maritime operations, tourism, and emergency services, with a focus on the real-world possibilities showcased by the MTN-ZTE project.
The MTN-ZTE Project
The recent collaboration between MTN South Africa and ZTE Corporation has marked a significant milestone in the advancement of 5G technology. Together, they extended 5G coverage far beyond the traditional terrestrial reach, successfully deploying its connectivity 22 kilometers offshore from Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This partnership is Africa’s first 5G ultra-range maritime network, showcasing its transformative potential in areas beyond land-based infrastructure.
To achieve this breakthrough, MTN used the low-band 800MHz spectrum, which was secured during South Africa’s recent spectrum auction. By aggregating this frequency with other LTE bands and operating in non-standalone mode, they managed to push the network’s boundaries out to sea. Despite the challenges of rough seas during testing, MTN, with ZTE’s cutting-edge radio access network (RAN) technology, was able to deliver impressive speeds of up to 116.92 Mbps at a distance of 22 kilometers from land.
This project is more than a technological achievement—it’s a proof of concept that illustrates how 5G can extend beyond traditional urban and land-based infrastructure. The extended maritime coverage enables new possibilities for industries such as shipping, fisheries, and tourism. The advanced 5G network also supports real-time applications like video streaming for sea rescue operations and environmental monitoring, contributing to better safety and sustainability at sea.
By launching Africa’s first 5G maritime network in South Africa, MTN is setting a new benchmark in connectivity. This innovation not only strengthens our position as a leader in digital transformation but also opens up new horizons for economic growth and technological advancement across the continent.” – Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa
As MTN South Africa’s CEO, Charles Molapisi, emphasized, the deployment of this 5G ultra-range maritime network is not just a local achievement but a major step toward economic growth and technological advancement across Africa. By expanding the reach of their network to cover coastal waters, MTN is setting a new benchmark in digital connectivity, demonstrating that 5G can transform industries both on land and at sea.
“Our collaboration with MTN represents a significant step forward in maritime technology. ZTE is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that address the unique needs of different regions. With our 5G Ultra Maritime Coverage, we are setting a new standard for connectivity and enabling Africa to harness the full potential of its maritime resources. This project is more than just a technical milestone, it is a meaningful step towards enhancing the digital economy and protecting marine environments. We are excited to see the impact this innovative solution will have on local economies, tourism, and sustainable ocean management in South Africa and beyond.” – Luca Shen, CEO, ZTE South Africa
The Potential of 5G Beyond the Shorelines
The extension of 5G technology beyond land-based infrastructure is unlocking new opportunities for coastal and maritime industries. From fishing and tourism to offshore energy and environmental protection, reliable high-speed connectivity at sea can revolutionize how these sectors operate. While extending mobile coverage offshore has traditionally been both difficult and expensive, 5G networks are offering a cost-effective and high-performance solution, allowing maritime industries to thrive like never before.
Powering Offshore Wind Energy and Marine Operations
The offshore wind energy sector, which is growing rapidly, can leverage 5G for more efficient operations. Offshore wind turbines need constant monitoring, and real-time data from these installations is essential for preventing malfunctions and ensuring smooth operation. 5G provides the bandwidth needed for this data-heavy monitoring, allowing operators to quickly detect issues and perform predictive maintenance, reducing costs and downtime.
With 5G, the use of autonomous drones to inspect and repair turbines is becoming more feasible. This reduces the need for human operators to physically reach the turbines, which are often in remote or difficult-to-access areas, improving safety while cutting costs.
Benefits for Fishing and Maritime Industries
One of the most immediate impacts of 5G connectivity at sea is on the fishing industry. Fishermen can now access real-time data, such as weather updates, fish tracking, and global market prices, which helps them plan more efficiently and safely. With reliable 5G communication, vessels can stay connected to ports and markets, reducing risks and ensuring they make informed decisions.
Additionally, 5G’s high bandwidth allows for video feeds and live communication, enabling better monitoring of fishing practices. This supports sustainable fishing methods by providing real-time insights into fish populations and reducing overfishing, benefiting both the environment and the economy. The ability to sell directly to markets through online platforms while at sea can also increase profit margins for fishermen.
Shipping companies, marine researchers, and rescue operations also stand to benefit. Real-time video feeds from ships and underwater drones can provide valuable insights into marine life, ocean conditions, and rescue operations, drastically improving efficiency and response times.
Boosting Coastal Tourism
For the tourism industry, 5G can enhance the coastal and cruise experience by providing seamless connectivity to tourists at sea. Travelers expect high-speed internet access wherever they go, and 5G technology ensures they can stream, browse, and connect with others as easily offshore as on land. Cruise ships, coastal resorts, and even small fishing tours can offer improved services with uninterrupted access to online entertainment, navigation apps, and communication platforms.
Tour operators can use 5G to offer personalized, real-time information, allowing for better coordination and enhanced experiences. This also opens up opportunities for live streaming of tourist activities, promoting the region and attracting more visitors. Better connectivity means improved safety for tourists as well, with faster communication and emergency response capabilities.
Ultimately, 5G not only improves the travel experience but also creates new economic opportunities for local businesses, boosting coastal tourism and contributing to the broader economic growth of the region.
Enhancing Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection
5G’s impact on maritime safety and environmental protection is transformative. Coastguard services, marine protection agencies, and environmental organizations rely on real-time data to monitor vast stretches of the ocean. With 5G, these organizations can deploy drones equipped with cameras and sensors to conduct live surveillance, enabling them to track illegal activities such as poaching, overfishing, and pollution. High-speed connectivity allows them to respond to emergencies more effectively and reduce environmental damage.
The real-time communication capabilities of 5G also make search and rescue missions at sea faster and more reliable. Coastguard operations can coordinate more efficiently, sending video feeds of ongoing operations back to command centers, while vessels in distress can alert authorities with live updates of their situation, improving rescue times.
Overcoming Traditional Connectivity Challenges at Sea
Traditional methods of offshore communication, such as low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite connections or Very High Frequency (VHF) radio, have significant limitations. Satellites, while providing coverage, come at a high cost and suffer from latency issues, making real-time applications difficult. VHF radio, often used by ships, only works for short distances and cannot handle the large amounts of data needed for modern applications like video feeds or constant connectivity.
In contrast, 5G offers a much cheaper and faster alternative. China Mobile and Huawei’s research (by the GSMA) suggests that the cost of data transmission using 5G is just 1% of the cost of satellite communication. Moreover, 5G networks can provide significantly more data capacity — for example, 100 5G cell sites in offshore areas can deliver a total capacity of 485 Gbps, compared to just 50 Gbps from satellite infrastructure.
Conclusion: Transforming Africa’s Future with 5G
By enabling faster internet speeds and expanding access to digital services, 5G can massively improve Africa’s connectivity and drive economic growth in industries like healthcare, education, agriculture, and tourism. Its impact goes beyond just improved communication—5G can revolutionize the way people live and work, enhancing quality of life by bridging the digital divide and providing access to essential services and information.
This next-generation technology also paves the way for smart cities, where IoT applications can modernize infrastructure and industry, making urban areas more efficient and sustainable. For Africa, where many regions are still underserved in terms of connectivity, the potential of 5G extends far beyond traditional networks.
“Africa has its unique challenges, indeed both commercially as well as geographically. We have to put in perspective that the total geographical area of Europe is around 3.9 million square miles and the US is around 3.8 million square miles, combined together there are still less than 2/3 of Africa which is 12 million square miles. Now in this vast area, there are business pockets which will hugely benefit from high-speed 5G connectivity without the disruption of power outages without the restrictions of physical access to landing sites.” – Sanjeev Verma, the CEO of Squire Technologies
From coastal areas to remote communities, the expansion of 5G opens new opportunities for innovation, economic development, and a more connected future. With projects like the MTN-ZTE maritime initiative leading the way, Africa stands on the brink of a digital transformation that can fuel long-term growth and unlock the continent’s vast potential.
