Airtel Africa has signed an agreement with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 African markets.
Under the partnership, Airtel Africa customers using compatible smartphones will be able to connect directly to Starlink satellites in locations without terrestrial mobile coverage.
This move could significantly expand mobile network access in underserved and remote areas and increase access for the 174 million customers across Airtel’s operations.
Launch scheduled for 2025
According to Airtel Africa, the satellite-to-mobile service is scheduled to begin in 2026, initially supporting text messaging and data services for select applications.
The rollout will be subject to regulatory approvals in each operating country.
The agreement also covers Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, which will leverage next-generation satellites designed to deliver significantly improved performance.
Airtel Africa said the upgraded system is expected to offer up to 20 times faster data speeds compared to earlier satellite-to-mobile solutions.
”Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements the terrestrial infrastructure and even reaches areas where deploying terrestrial network solutions are challenging.
“We are very excited about the collaboration with Starlink, which will establish a new standard for service availability across all our 14 markets,” said Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar.
Starlink’s Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, said the collaboration would enable connectivity in remote parts of Africa that are currently beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
“For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach,” she said, adding that the next-generation technology would support high-speed broadband access and improve access to essential services.
First African operator to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell
With the deal, Airtel Africa becomes the first mobile network operator on the continent to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell services.
The solution will be powered by a constellation of about 650 satellites, enabling mobile connectivity in areas where traditional network infrastructure is either unavailable or difficult to deploy.
- The companies said the partnership is aimed at complementing existing terrestrial networks rather than replacing them, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach locations.
- Airtel Africa said it will continue to explore additional collaboration opportunities with SpaceX as part of efforts to deepen digital inclusion across the continent.
- The company added that the Starlink Direct-to-Cell initiative supports its broader strategy of expanding coverage and improving service availability, particularly in underserved communities.
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