Airtel Africa, which serves 174 million customers in 14 markets, announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with SpaceX to roll out Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity.
- Airtel Africa, which serves 174 million customers in 14 markets, announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with SpaceX to...
- Through this partnership, Starlink, the largest 4G connectivity provider in the world (by geographic reach), will provide network connectivity to...
- In 2026, the satellite-to-mobile service will launch with text messaging and data for a few chosen applications. This agreement also...
- The rollout will take place in accordance with regulatory approvals specific to each nation. Africa’s first Airtel Africa is the first mobile...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Africa — everything you need to know is covered below.
Through this partnership, Starlink, the largest 4G connectivity provider in the world (by geographic reach), will provide network connectivity to Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones in areas without terrestrial coverage.
In 2026, the satellite-to-mobile service will launch with text messaging and data for a few chosen applications. This agreement also includes support for Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, which will use next-generation satellites to deliver high-speed connectivity to smartphones.
The system will provide 20 times faster data speeds. The rollout will take place in accordance with regulatory approvals specific to each nation.
Africa’s first
Airtel Africa is the first mobile network provider in Africa to offer Starlink Direct to Cell service, which uses 650 satellites to deliver seamless connectivity even in remote locations. The collaboration demonstrates Airtel Africa’s dedication to closing the digital divide and providing seamless connectivity to its clients. To further promote digital inclusion across the continent, Airtel Africa and Starlink will continue to explore new partnership opportunities.
Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said, “Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering great experiences to our customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions.
“Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements terrestrial infrastructure and even reaches areas where deploying terrestrial networks 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.”
Starlink Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, said, “For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach, and we’re so thrilled 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.”
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