* Marking the first satellite-to-mobile service for millions of people in Africa with compatible smartphones in regions without terrestrial coverage
* Starlink is the world’s largest 4G connectivity provider by geographic reach and satellite-to-mobile service will begin in 2026 with data for select applications and text messaging
By Duncan Mlanjira
Airtel Africa has signed an agreement with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across all its 14 markets that serve 174 million customers, including Malawi.
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Starlink is the world’s largest 4G connectivity provider (by geographic reach) and through this partnership, Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones in regions without terrestrial coverage can have network connectivity.
In a statement from Dubai, Airtel Africa says the satellite-to-mobile service will begin in 2026 with data for select applications and text messaging.
The agreement also includes support for Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, with next-generation satellites that will be capable of providing high-speed connectivity to smartphones with 20x improved data speed.
“The rollout will proceed in line with country-specific regulatory approvals,” says the statement. “Airtel Africa is the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer Starlink Direct to Cell service, powered by 650 satellites to provide seamless connectivity to its customers in remote areas.
“The partnership reinforces Airtel Africa’s commitment to bridge digital divide and offer seamless connectivity to its customers.”
Through the partnership, Airtel Africa and Starlink are expected to continue to explore additional collaboration opportunities to further advance digital inclusion across the continent.
The statement quotes Airtel Africa Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar saying: “Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering great experience to our customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions.
“Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements the terrestrial infrastructure and even reaches areas where deploying terrestrial network solutions are challenging. We are very excited about the collaboration with Starlink, which will establish a new standard for service availability across all our 14 markets.”
Sunil Taldar
On his part, Starlink vice-president of sales, Stephanie Bednarek said: “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.
“Through this agreement with Airtel Africa, we’ll also deliver our next-generation technology to offer high-speed broadband connectivity, which will offer faster access to many essential services.”
Dubbed the “world’s most advanced broadband satellite internet,” Starlink is an innovative way of providing high-speed internet to users, and it’s changing lives for those in remote areas that don’t have access to traditional cable-based internet. According to SpaceX, the aerospace company was founded by billionaire-entrepreneur Elon Musk and “Starlink utilises a network of satellites orbiting the earth to beam high-speed, low-latency signals (the time required for signals to travel, which is roughly 20ms) down to users on the ground”.
“The Starlink system employs multiple layers of interconnected satellite orbitals to ensure a wide coverage area. Satellites are organised into planes, each plane composed of several dozen satellites at various altitudes between 550 kilometres and 850 kilometres above the surface of the earth.
“The higher altitude allows for an even distribution of signal strength across large regions, but it also means that the satellites need to move quickly to remain in their orbits. This is achieved by using advanced ‘thrusters’ — engines powered by pressurised gas that allows for calculated, precise manoeuvres while consuming relatively little fuel.”
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