Airtel Africa Completes Successful Testing of Starlink Direct-to-Cell Services
Airtel Africa has announced that, in partnership with SpaceX, it has successfully completed testing of data and messaging services with Starlink Mobile, marking a significant milestone in bringing connectivity to previously unreachable areas across the continent.
The testing phase demonstrated that in areas where terrestrial mobile networks have no signal, 4G smartphones can seamlessly connect to Starlink’s constellation of 650 satellites, effectively bridging the gap between the unreachable and the connected.
During this phase, customers were able to access light-data applications such as WhatsApp calling, Facebook Messenger, and even conduct financial transactions through the Airtel app, demonstrating the practical viability of satellite-enabled mobile services for everyday use.
Building on Strategic Partnership
This development builds upon the partnership signed in late 2025 to launch satellite-to-mobile services across all 14 of Airtel Africa’s markets, enabling internet access in both urban and remote regions throughout Africa by 2026. The 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.
Airtel Africa is now leveraging insights from this successful testing to prepare to expand this service across its 14 markets, subject in country-specific regulatory approvals.
Next Phase: Voice and Enhanced Broadband
Looking ahead, the company is equally focused on the next horizon, launching voice calling and expanded broadband capabilities via Starlink Mobile V2 technology. This next generation of the service promises enhanced performance and additional features that will further close the digital divide across Africa’s diverse geographies.
The successful testing represents a critical step towards ensuring that no Airtel Africa customer is ever left offline, regardless of their location, whilst demonstrating the practical potential of satellite-enabled mobile networks to complement traditional terrestrial infrastructure across the continent.