Sonatel Expands OneWeb Satellite Gateway as Competition Builds in Senegal
Sonatel (Orange Senegal) says that it has deployed 16 new satellite antennas at its Gandoul teleport in Senegal, strengthening its satellite infrastructure as demand for high-speed connectivity grows and competition from LEO providers intensifies.
The new antennas form part of Eutelsat OneWeb’s Satellite Portal Network, connecting the operator’s low Earth orbit constellation with terrestrial networks. The gateway spans around five hectares and includes secure power systems, redundant infrastructure, fibre backhaul and a Tier III-compliant technical facility to support resilient operation.
The investment expands Sonatel’s ability to deliver high-speed internet across Senegal, the wider region and international routes. The company said the infrastructure will support rural and underserved areas, where broadband access remains limited and terrestrial network deployment can be costly or technically difficult.
The move also reinforces Senegal’s wider digital infrastructure strategy. By combining satellite connectivity with submarine cables and national and international fibre networks, Sonatel is building a hybrid architecture designed to improve resilience, diversify connectivity routes and support digital inclusion, businesses, start-ups and public services.
The deployment follows Sonatel’s satellite internet launch with Eutelsat Konnect, which uses GEO capacity, while the new Gandoul gateway adds LEO capability through OneWeb. That gives the operator a broader satellite portfolio as the Senegalese market opens to greater competition.
Starlink launched commercial services in Senegal in February 2026 and is already active across a growing number of African markets. Amazon Leo is also preparing commercial services, with discussions under way in several African countries and regulatory progress already made in markets such as Nigeria.
Pricing is expected to be a major factor in how the market develops. Satellite broadband remains expensive relative to average incomes in Senegal, meaning adoption will depend not only on coverage and performance, but also on affordability, equipment availability and the ability to serve households, enterprises and public institutions at viable price points.