Airtel Africa Partners with SpaceX to Bring Satellite-to-Mobile Connectivity Across Africa
Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to launch satellite-to-mobile services across all 14 of its markets, enabling internet access in both urban and remote regions throughout Africa by 2026.
This collaboration will make Airtel Africa the first mobile network operator on the continent to offer Starlink’s innovative Direct-to-Cell technology to its 174 million subscribers. The service will be powered by 650 satellites, providing seamless connectivity to customers in areas where traditional terrestrial coverage is unavailable.
Phased Rollout Beginning 2026
Airtel Africa will begin the rollout in 2026, initially offering text messaging and limited data for select applications. Future phases will introduce Starlink’s next-generation broadband Direct-to-Cell capabilities, delivering high-speed connectivity with up to 20 times improved data speeds directly to standard smartphones.
Customers with compatible smartphones in regions without terrestrial coverage will be able to access network connectivity through Starlink, the world’s largest 4G provider by geographic reach. Implementation will proceed subject to regulatory approvals in each country.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar commented: “Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering a 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 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.”
Stephanie Bednarek, Starlink Vice President of Sales, added: “For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach, and we’re thrilled that Starlink Direct to Cell can power this life-changing service. Through this agreement with Airtel Africa, we will also deliver our next-generation technology to offer high-speed broadband connectivity, which will provide faster access to many essential services.”