To expand network coverage to remote areas of the nation, MTN Zambia has announced a strategic alliance with Starlink to complete the field trial of Direct-to-Cell service in Zambia.
- To expand network coverage to remote areas of the nation, MTN Zambia has announced a strategic alliance with Starlink to...
- According to the telecom provider, this trial involved using MTN Zambia’s spectrum and Starlink’s satellite constellation to transmit the nation’s...
- Benefits of MTN-Starlink Direct-to-Cell service Even in the most remote locations where terrestrial connectivity is currently unavailable, this service will allow...
- With the world’s most sophisticated phased-array antennas linking smoothly across the Starlink network via lasers to any location on Earth,...
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According to the telecom provider, this trial involved using MTN Zambia’s spectrum and Starlink’s satellite constellation to transmit the nation’s first-ever data session and fintech transaction. The technology enables a mobile handset to connect directly to space-based infrastructure rather than to a conventional ground tower.
Subject to regulatory approval, these achievements set the stage for commercial service in the upcoming weeks.
Benefits of MTN-Starlink Direct-to-Cell service
Even in the most remote locations where terrestrial connectivity is currently unavailable, this service will allow users to access data, audio, and video through compatible applications. In addition to access to the MoMo App, MyMTN App, navigation, and weather apps, this service will include WhatsApp phone and video conversations. More apps will be released in the future.
Starlink Direct to Cell enables seamless access in some of the most remote locales by working with existing LTE/4G-compatible devices, wherever there is a clear view of the sky. With the world’s most sophisticated phased-array antennas linking smoothly across the Starlink network via lasers to any location on Earth, Starlink Direct to Cell satellites function as a mobile tower in space, enabling network integration akin to that of a typical roaming partner.
With Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite access, MTN Zambia will be able to reach even the most isolated locations, including game parks and rural areas with rivers and other bodies of water.
“We would like to acknowledge the unwavering support from the Ministry of Technology and Science and our regulator, Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), for the guidance throughout this process,” MTN stated.
Airtel’s Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite partnership with SpaceX
Telecom companies are closely monitoring satellite-to-mobile technology as a potential solution to the persistent coverage gaps in Africa, where traditional cellular towers remain inaccessible to vast rural areas.
Airtel Africa, which serves 174 million customers in 14 markets, announced a similar partnership with SpaceX in December 2026 to roll out Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity.
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.
According to the telecom provider, the satellite-to-mobile service will launch in 2026, offering text messaging and data for a select set of 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.