Nairobi: 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, marking the first satellite-to-mobile service for millions in Africa. Through this partnership, Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones in regions without terrestrial coverage can have network connectivity through Starlink, the world’s largest 4G connectivity provider by geographic reach.
According to Kenya News Agency, the satellite-to-mobile service will begin in 2026 with data for select applications and text messaging. Further, the agreement includes support for Starlink’s first broadband Direct to Cell system, featuring next-generation satellites capable of providing high-speed connectivity to smartphones with 20 times improved data speed. The rollout will proceed in line with country-specific regulatory approvals.
Airtel Africa is the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer the Starlink Direct to Cell service, powered by 650 satellites to provide seamless connectivity to its customers in remote areas. The partnership reinforces Airtel Africa’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and offering seamless connectivity to its customers. Airtel Africa and Starlink will continue to explore additional collaboration opportunities to advance digital inclusion across the continent.
During the announcement in Nairobi, Airtel Africa Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar emphasized Airtel Africa’s commitment to delivering a great experience to its customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions. He noted that Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements terrestrial infrastructure and 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 highlighted the significance of this collaboration for people in remote areas. She expressed excitement that Starlink Direct to Cell can power this life-changing service, ensuring connectivity where terrestrial coverage cannot reach. ‘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.
