Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to roll out Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity t across all 14 of the telco’s African markets.
Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones will be able to access mobile network connectivity via Starlink satellites in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable. The service will be launched in 2026 and will start with text messaging and limited data services for select applications.
Airtel Africa is the first mobile network operator on the continent to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell services. Starlink’s satellite constellation will enable mobile connectivity across vast geographic areas that are difficult or costly to serve using traditional infrastructure.
The agreement also covers support for Starlink’s next-generation Direct-to-Cell broadband system. These future satellites are expected to deliver data speeds up to 20 times faster than current capabilities, enabling high-speed connectivity directly to standard smartphones without the need for specialised hardware.
Airtel Africa Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the collaboration aligns with the company’s long-term goal of expanding reliable and contiguous mobile coverage across its footprint.
“Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering a great experience to our customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions,” Taldar said. “Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements the terrestrial infrastructure and even reaches areas where deploying terrestrial network solutions is challenging.”
Starlink Vice President of Sales Stephanie Bednarek said the partnership would unlock new opportunities for connectivity in underserved regions across the continent.
“For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach,” she said. “Through this agreement with Airtel Africa, we’ll also deliver our next-generation technology to offer high-speed broadband connectivity, enabling faster access to essential services.”
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