Airtel Africa Partners SpaceX to Roll Out Starlink Direct-to-Cell Connectivity Across 14 Markets

Airtel Africa  has announced an agreement with SpaceX  to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 African markets, reaching a combined customer base of 174 million subscribers. The partnership will enable Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones to access mobile network connectivity in areas without terrestrial coverage.

The satellite-to-mobile service is expected to launch in 2026, beginning with data services for select applications and text messaging. The agreement also includes support for Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, powered by next-generation satellites capable of delivering significantly higher data speeds, with performance improvements of up to 20 times over earlier capabilities. The rollout will proceed subject to country-specific regulatory approvals.

Under the partnership, Airtel Africa becomes the first mobile network operator on the continent to offer Starlink Direct-to-Cell services. The solution will be supported by approximately 650 satellites, designed to provide seamless connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional network deployment remains challenging.

The collaboration reinforces Airtel Africa’s strategy to bridge the digital divide and extend reliable connectivity beyond the limits of terrestrial infrastructure. Both companies also indicated plans to explore additional opportunities to advance digital inclusion across Africa.

Commenting on the development, Airtel Africa Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the partnership aligns with the company’s commitment to improving customer experience through broader access to reliable and contiguous connectivity. He noted that Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements existing terrestrial networks and enables coverage in areas where conventional solutions are difficult to deploy.

“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, MD and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa 

“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.”

-Stephanie Bednarek, Vice President of Sales, Starlink 

With this agreement, Airtel Africa and SpaceX position satellite-enabled mobile connectivity as a key pillar in extending network reach and supporting Africa’s long-term digital transformation goals.