• Airtel Africa will deploy Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service across 14 countries, aiming to reach 174 million users in remote areas.

• Service begins in 2026 with text and limited data for compatible phones, using Starlink’s 5,000+ satellite network to extend 4G coverage.

•  The partnership targets Africa’s connectivity gap, where only 27% use mobile internet.

Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service across its 14 African markets, aiming to extend mobile coverage to underserved and remote areas. Announced on December 16, the agreement could benefit Airtel’s 174 million customers.

The rollout is scheduled for 2026, starting with text and limited data services for compatible smartphones in areas lacking terrestrial coverage. The service will use Starlink’s constellation of over 5,000 low Earth orbit satellites to deliver 4G connectivity, with plans to support high-speed broadband via next-generation satellites. Deployment is subject to regulatory approval in each country.

Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the collaboration complements existing infrastructure and improves service availability in hard-to-reach areas. The move also reflects a broader industry trend toward hybrid terrestrial-satellite networks.

The partnership comes amid efforts to close Africa’s digital divide. According to the GSMA’s 2024 Mobile Economy report, internet penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa reached only 27% of the population. The report adds that operators are increasingly adopting new infrastructure models like network-as-a-service (NaaS) to bridge coverage gaps. This model has gained momentum in rural regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, enabling operators to expand network coverage with reduced risk. A recent example is the collaboration between AMN and Starlink, in which the LEO satellite operator will provide backhaul for AMN’s base stations in remote and rural communities around the world.

MTN Group is also exploring satellite solutions. It is working with Omnispace to test S-band spectrum for mobile and IoT services and partnering with OneWeb, Starlink, Lynk Global, and AST SpaceMobile to trial direct-to-device and enterprise offerings. MTN’s infrastructure arm, Bayobab, signed a multi-year deal with Eutelsat to expand rural backhaul and enterprise coverage.

This partnership between Airtel and SpaceX will enable both parties to capitalise on the expanding mobile satellite services market, which is expected to reach USD 7.46 billion by 2030,  according to Mordor Intelligence data.

Hikmatu Bilali