Airtel Africa has entered into a strategic partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink's Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 African markets, a move expected to significantly expand mobile coverage to remote and underserved areas on the continent.
Under the agreement, Airtel Africa's 174 million customers with compatible smartphones will be able to access mobile network services in areas without terrestrial coverage through Starlink's satellite-to-mobile technology, the company stated in a press release.
The satellite-based service, which will initially support text messaging and data for select applications, is scheduled to commence in 2026, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals. The partnership also includes support for Starlink's first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, powered by next-generation satellites capable of delivering up to 20 times improved data speeds.
Airtel Africa becomes the first mobile network operator on the continent to offer Starlink Direct-to-Cell services, leveraging a constellation of about 650 satellites to provide seamless connectivity, particularly in hard-to-reach rural and remote locations.
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The development underscores Airtel Africa's broader commitment to bridging the digital divide and expanding access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity across Africa. Both companies also indicated that they would explore further areas of collaboration to deepen digital inclusion on the continent.
Commenting on the partnership, Airtel Africa's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the agreement aligns with the company's goal of enhancing service availability for its customers.
"Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering a great experience to our customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions," Taldar said. "Starlink's Direct-to-Cell technology complements our terrestrial infrastructure and enables connectivity in areas where deploying traditional network solutions is challenging. We are excited about this collaboration, which will set a new benchmark for service availability across our 14 markets, " Taldar added.
On her part, Starlink's Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, described the partnership as a significant step toward connecting communities previously beyond the reach of conventional networks.
"For the first time, people across Africa will be able to stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach," Bednarek said. "Through our agreement with Airtel Africa, we will also deliver next-generation technology that enables high-speed broadband connectivity, providing faster access to essential services."
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Similarly, the rollout of the service will proceed in phases, in line with regulatory requirements across Airtel Africa's operating countries.
