Airtel Africa has announced a landmark partnership with SpaceX to launch Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across all 14 of its markets, serving 174 million customers.
This initiative will provide network access to Airtel users in regions currently without terrestrial coverage, marking the first satellite-to-mobile service of its kind for millions of people in Africa.
The satellite service, set to begin in 2026, will initially offer data for select applications and text messaging.
The agreement also supports Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, with next-generation satellites capable of delivering high-speed connectivity to smartphones with up to 20 times improved data speeds. Rollout will be aligned with regulatory approvals in each country.
Airtel Africa will become the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer Starlink Direct-to-Cell, utilising 650 satellites to provide seamless connectivity even in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The partnership underlines Airtel Africa’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and expanding access to reliable mobile connectivity across the continent.
In a statement, Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said: “Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering great experience to our customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity 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.”
Starlink Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, added: “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.”
