This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
On May 15, 2020, Loon, a pioneering internet service provider, announced its expansion into Mozambique, marking its second commercial deal on the African continent. The company had previously launched its services in Kenya in March 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Loon's services aim to bridge the digital divide by providing access to critical information and healthcare services. The partnership with Vodacom will enable Loon to serve the Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces of Mozambique, which have proven challenging to cover due to their vast and logistically challenging geographies.
According to Alastair Westgarth, CEO of Loon, the company has been working collaboratively with Vodacom and relevant authorities to secure the necessary approvals and enable the service in Mozambique. 'Thanks to this work and partnership, we’re pleased to now have the necessary permissions to fly above Mozambique, to import and install ground infrastructure, and to serve Vodacom users with Loon’s floating cell towers,' Westgarth said.
Speaking on the expansion, Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, stated, 'Vodacom’s partnership with Loon is a perfect example of how technological innovation can connect the most rural communities in Africa. We are pleased to be part of this initiative in Mozambique, which is helping to bridge the digital divide.'
Loon's Mobile Network Expansion (MNE) solution will enable Vodacom to reach more users in Mozambique and bring connectivity to places where it previously didn’t exist. The partnership is a significant step towards ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing the global digital economy.
