Airtel Africa has inked a deal with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX to roll out Starlink Direct-to-Cell connectivity across its 14 African markets.
The telco has 174 million customers who will now rely on Starlink to access mobile network services in areas without terrestrial coverage, using compatible smartphones that connect directly to Starlink satellites.
What is Direct-to-Cell Satellite?
Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity is a technology that enables mobile phones to link directly to low-Earth-orbit satellites without the need for cell towers or specialised satellite devices.
The satellites act like space-based base stations, allowing users to send messages, access limited data services, and eventually make voice calls, using their existing SIM cards.
The service is scheduled to begin in 2026 with text messaging and selected data applications, before expanding to higher-speed broadband as next-generation Starlink satellites are deployed.
These newer satellites are expected to deliver data speeds up to 20 times faster than earlier systems, subject to regulatory approvals in each country.
“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,” said Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar.
Also Read: Elon Musk’s Starlink to Work with Airtel for Internet Service in Africa
Airtel Africa will be the first mobile network operator on the continent to commercialise Starlink Direct-to-Cell at scale, backed by a constellation of more than 650 satellites.
The company positions the service as complementary to its terrestrial networks, targeting hard-to-reach rural areas, border regions, highways, national parks, and disaster-prone zones where building and maintaining cell towers is economically or physically challenging.
While Airtel Africa is the first to announce a continent-wide rollout, it is not alone in exploring satellite-to-mobile technology in Africa.
MTN has also partnered with US-based Lynk Global to trial satellite-to-phone messaging services in markets such as Ghana and Uganda.
Vodacom Group, together with Safaricom, has conducted direct-to-device connectivity trials using AST SpaceMobile’s technology, including tests in parts of East and Southern Africa, signalling hybrid networks that blend terrestrial and satellite infrastructure.
Economic Effect
Airtel Africa is keen on scaling down on heavy capital expenditure associated with towers and fibre to reach underserved populations more quickly and at lower marginal cost.
“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,” said Starlink Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek.
On the other hand, it means improved coverage around digital inclusion, financial access, and service delivery for governments. Another category to benefit from this deal would be ordinary consumers and businesses, for reliable connectivity for mobile money, e-commerce, logistics, agriculture, and emergency communications.
Kenya has increasingly leveraged digital platforms for public service delivery, with Direct-to-Cell connectivity likely to support government services in remote areas, enhance disaster response, enable telemedicine and remote education, and strengthen security and border management by ensuring always-on communication.
