AfriPulse
In a landmark deal set to transform mobile connectivity across the continent, Airtel Africa has announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to roll out Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite technology in all 14 of its operating markets, serving over 174 million customers.
The service, which allows standard compatible smartphones to connect directly to satellites without needing traditional cell towers or special hardware, will launch in 2026. It will initially offer text messaging and data access for select applications, providing crucial coverage in remote, rural, and underserved areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable or unreliable.
Airtel Africa becomes the first mobile network operator in Africa to deploy this technology, complementing existing infrastructure and addressing long-standing “dead zones” that have hindered digital inclusion, economic growth, and emergency communications.
The agreement also includes support for Starlink’s next-generation broadband direct-to-cell system, featuring advanced satellites promising up to 20 times faster data speeds for smartphone users.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar stated: “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.”
This move follows similar partnerships globally, including Ukraine’s Kyivstar becoming Europe’s first operator to launch the service in November 2025 amid ongoing challenges.
The rollout will depend on regulatory approvals in each country, but the partnership positions Africa at the forefront of satellite-integrated mobile networks, potentially revolutionizing access to education, healthcare, agriculture, and disaster response tools in hard-to-reach regions.
Source: Platinumpost.ng | Read the Full Story…
