To date, 65 sites are up and running with a goal to connect 120 sites by the end of March 2024.

Some 200,000 Madagascans will have access to telecommunication services for the first time following a partnership between Africa Mobile Network (AMN) and satellite-based communications firm Intelsat.

In the long term, the companies plan to connect 500 sites to provide broadband services to locals, mostly in rural areas.

To date, 65 sites are operational, and plans are in motion to connect 120 sites by the end of March.

At that point, 200,000 people will have access to telecommunication services where no coverage previously had been available from any network operator.

AMN specializes in rural deployments.

A combination of Intelsat's satellite backhaul and AMN's solutions will connect rural communities to telephone services.

According to experts, the ubiquity of satellite and solar solutions means that no location is too remote, and AMN is committed to overcoming the most difficult logistical challenges.

According to the GSMA, Madagascar has a Global Connectivity Index rating of 32.5, meaning it is an emerging digital market.

The government has committed to increasing access to digital services, with the Digital and Energy Connectivity for Inclusion in Madagascar

project launched in 2023.

It focuses on deploying infrastructure in under-served areas.

Connecting locals has been challenging, as 60 percent of the 30 million population live in rural areas.

Most of the areas are difficult to access, and some are beyond the reach of the country's power grid.