Airtel Africa has announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s direct to cell satellite technology across its entire footprint on the continent.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Airtel Africa said the satellite to mobile service will be introduced across all 14 of its markets in Africa starting 2026. The initial phase will support data for select applications along with text messaging services.
The collaboration is aimed at expanding connectivity in areas where traditional network infrastructure is unavailable or limited. Airtel Africa customers using compatible smartphones in regions without terrestrial coverage will be able to access mobile connectivity directly through Starlink satellites.
According to the company, the agreement also includes support for Starlink’s first broadband direct to cell system. This next generation satellite technology is designed to deliver high speed connectivity directly to smartphones, offering data speeds that are 20 times faster than current capabilities.
Airtel Africa said the partnership aligns with its broader goal of improving digital inclusion by extending reliable mobile services to underserved and remote regions across the continent.
Starlink’s direct to cell technology is designed to eliminate coverage gaps by enabling standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites without the need for specialised hardware. This approach is expected to play a critical role in improving communication access in rural areas and during emergencies.
The announcement follows a similar move in Europe. Last month, Ukraine’s largest mobile operator Kyivstar became the first in the region to launch Starlink’s direct to cell satellite service. The rollout was aimed at maintaining connectivity for millions of users during wartime power outages and infrastructure disruptions.
With this partnership, Airtel Africa joins a growing list of operators adopting satellite based mobile solutions to strengthen network resilience and reach. The rollout is expected to significantly enhance basic connectivity services across Africa once it goes live in 2026.
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