Airtel Africa has announced an agreement with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across all its 14 markets that serve 174 million customers, which marks the first satellite-to-mobile service for millions of people in Africa.
Through this partnership, Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones in regions without terrestrial coverage can have network connectivity through Starlink, which is the world’s largest 4G connectivity provider by geographic reach.
Notably, the satellite-to-mobile service will begin in 2026 with data for select applications and text messaging.
Further, this agreement also includes support for Starlink’s first broadband Direct to Cell system, with next-generation satellites that will be capable of providing high-speed connectivity to smartphones with 20x improved data speed.
The rollout will proceed in line with country-specific regulatory approvals.
Remarkably, Airtel Africa is the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer Starlink Direct to Cell service, powered by 650 satellites to provide seamless connectivity to its customers in remote areas.
In this regard, the partnership reinforces Airtel Africa’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and offering seamless connectivity to its customers.
Hence, Airtel Africa and Starlink will continue to explore additional collaboration opportunities to further advance digital inclusion across the continent.
Making his remarks during the announcement in Nairobi, Airtel Africa Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sunil Taldar maintained that Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering a great experience to its customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions.
He reported that Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements the terrestrial infrastructure and even reaches areas where deploying terrestrial network solutions is challenging.
“We are very excited about the collaboration with Starlink, which will establish a new standard for service availability across all our 14 markets,” expressed Taldar.
Meanwhile, Starlink Vice President of Sales Stephanie Bednarek noted that for the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach, as she expressed excitement that Starlink Direct to Cell can power this life-changing service.
“Through this agreement with Airtel Africa, we’ll also deliver our next-generation technology to offer high-speed broadband connectivity, which will offer faster access to many essential services,” she assured.
By Michael Omondi
