NuRAN Wireless to Test Starlink Satellite Connectivity as Backhaul for Rural Mobile Networks in Nigeria

Canadian wireless infrastructure provider NuRAN Wireless is set to test Starlink satellite connectivity as a backhaul solution for its rural mobile networks in Nigeria. The primary objective of this pilot is to determine whether this technology can deliver additional capacity to remote sites where deploying terrestrial infrastructure is either logistically challenging or cost-prohibitive. The trial will be conducted in collaboration with Infratel, a long-standing partner of NuRAN.

First LEO Integration in NuRAN’s Network

The pilot will take place at a rural NuRAN site in Nigeria, marking the first integration of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity into the company’s network, according to NuRAN.

Service Provider: NuRAN will utilize a licensed Starlink service provided through a third-party vendor.
No Direct Relationship: It is important to note that NuRAN has no direct contractual or commercial relationship with Starlink or SpaceX for this project. The satellite connectivity will be integrated into NuRAN’s network exclusively via this third-party service provider.

Solving the Backhaul Challenge

The decision to test satellite connectivity addresses a very concrete operational challenge: backhaul. Backhaul refers to the link that transports data between a mobile base station and the rest of the network. In rural areas, this link is often constrained by:

Distance
Difficult geography
High costs of terrestrial infrastructure

NuRAN will continue to rely on terrestrial solutions, such as microwave links and TV White Space technology, whenever conditions permit. Satellite connectivity is intended for areas where these terrestrial technologies are difficult to implement or less economically viable.

Beyond Mobile Coverage: Edge Computing and AI

The stakes for NuRAN extend beyond simply improving 4G coverage. The company aims to measure the impact of this additional capacity on:

Site Economics: Optimizing the operational costs of rural sites.
New Services: Enabling edge computing and locally executed artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
Energy Solutions: Integrating advanced energy management systems.

Scalability Across Africa

NuRAN currently has over 5,000 sites under contract in Africa. If the pilot proves successful, the company sees the potential to replicate this model in other markets where Starlink services are authorized.

Target Markets: The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin.
Pending Markets: Cameroon, where regulatory procedures are still ongoing according to NuRAN.

Regulatory Context in Nigeria

The Nigerian regulatory framework confirms the existence of licenses for Starlink services within the country. Notable license holders include:

Starlink Internet Services Nigeria Limited
Africa Mobile Network Communications

This regulatory clarity supports the feasibility of NuRAN’s pilot and potential future deployments in the region.