Airtel Africa has entered a strategic partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 African markets, potentially extending mobile network access to 174 million subscribers in regions lacking terrestrial coverage.
The service, which is expected to launch in 2026, will initially support text messaging and limited data for select applications. It forms part of a broader push to bridge Africa’s digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved regions where traditional network infrastructure is expensive or technically challenging to deploy.
Under the agreement, Airtel Africa will leverage SpaceX’s 650-satellite constellation, including next-generation broadband Direct-to-Cell technology promising up to 20 times faster data speeds than previous satellite solutions. Rollout will be subject to regulatory approvals in each country.
Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa’s CEO, described the collaboration as “a complement to our terrestrial infrastructure, extending connectivity to regions where conventional networks are impractical.” The move positions Airtel Africa as the first mobile operator on the continent to adopt satellite-to-mobile services, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics in Africa’s telecom sector.
Stephanie Bednarek, Starlink’s Vice President of Sales, said the partnership would enable high-speed connectivity to remote areas, facilitating access to essential services and new digital opportunities.
Industry analysts note that the partnership could accelerate digital inclusion while creating a new revenue stream for telecom operators in regions traditionally considered unprofitable due to low population density. However, scaling satellite-to-mobile services across diverse regulatory environments remains a key challenge.
The collaboration reflects a growing trend of satellite operators partnering with mobile networks to extend coverage, particularly in emerging markets where the cost of terrestrial infrastructure is prohibitive.
