Minister Namalomba to engage MACRA on the authorisation of Starlink Satellite Direct-to-Cell services on Airtel network

* The groundbreaking Starlink Satellite Direct-to-Cell services on Airtel network are expected to help close coverage gaps in rural and underserved areas and provide service continuity during network outages

* Airtel Africa and SpaceX signed Starlink Satellite Direct-to-Cell services in December to be introduced across all its 14 markets that serve 174 million customers, including Malawi

By Duncan Mlanjira

Minister of Information & Communications Technology, Shadreck Namalomba paid a surprise visit to Airtel Malawi head office in Lilongwe Airtel Malawi today where he emphasised the need for leading mobile service provider to enhance customer experience by ensuring reliable and efficient network services.

In statement, Airtel Malawi’s acting Managing Director & Director of Finance, Abdul Shaik, is quoted to have assured the Minister that the company is continuously investing in its network infrastructure to provide the better quality of service to its customers and actively address network challenges.

He, however, acknowledged that progress has been slowed by persistent forex shortages, which continue to hamper the importation of critical network equipment needed for network expansion and upgrades.

The statement adds that Shaik also highlighted the negative impact of fiber cuts resulting from ongoing vandalism and road construction works.

“We can assure you that over the past few months we have been rolling out new sites and increasing capacity in high traffic areas, to continue providing superior service to meet growing customer needs,” Shaik said.

“Rest assured, we are addressing the network challenges, however, delayed network equipment imports due to forex constraints means the journey to full improvement is being impacted. We need support from the government for forex allocation and combating fiber cable vandalism.

Shaik also appraised the Minister that the company is awaiting feedback from Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) on the planned rollout of the groundbreaking Starlink Satellite Direct-to-Cell services on Airtel network, which are expected to help close coverage gaps in rural and underserved areas and provide service continuity during network outages.

In response, Namalomba committed to engage MACRA on the authorisation of the Starlink Satellite Direct-to-Cell services on the Airtel network, which Airtel Africa and SpaceX signed in December to be introduced across all its 14 markets that serve 174 million customers, including Malawi.

Starlink is the world’s largest 4G connectivity provider by geographic reach and through the partnership with Airtel Africa, customers with compatible smartphones in regions without terrestrial coverage can have network connectivity.

In a statement from Dubai in December, Airtel Africa said 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,” said 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.

Through the partnership, Airtel Africa and Starlink are expected to continue to explore additional collaboration opportunities to further advance digital inclusion across the continent.

Thus Minister taking cognizance of the importance of the digital transformation and committing to engage MACRA to facilitate the authorisation of the Starlink Satellite Direct-to-Cell services on the Airtel network.

Namalomba also pledged the government’s support in facilitating forex access to enable Airtel Malawi to enhance its service delivery. He also took note on the concern raised on vandalism by appealing to the public to refrain from ruining communications infrastructure, emphasising that such acts significantly compromise service delivery.