Airtel Africa is teaming up with SpaceX to bring Starlink's satellite cell service to its customers. The company's CEO, Sunil Taldar, stated that this Direct-to-Cell tech will fill gaps in their terrestrial network across all fourteen markets they serve, aiming to improve connectivity in hard-to-reach areas starting next year.
Starlink's Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, said the deal will help close the access gap in Africa. The service will let compatible phones connect via satellite in places with no ground coverage. Initial rollout in 2026 will offer text messaging and data for specific apps, with plans for faster broadband speeds later. The partnership, pending local approvals, makes Airtel the first African mobile operator to offer this Starlink service.
The satellite system uses over six hundred and fifty low-orbit satellites, acting like cell towers in space to work with standard LTE phones. Airtel, serving over one hundred and seventy-four million customers, frames this move as part of its push to bridge the digital divide on the continent.
Starlink's Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, said the deal will help close the access gap in Africa. The service will let compatible phones connect via satellite in places with no ground coverage. Initial rollout in 2026 will offer text messaging and data for specific apps, with plans for faster broadband speeds later. The partnership, pending local approvals, makes Airtel the first African mobile operator to offer this Starlink service.
The satellite system uses over six hundred and fifty low-orbit satellites, acting like cell towers in space to work with standard LTE phones. Airtel, serving over one hundred and seventy-four million customers, frames this move as part of its push to bridge the digital divide on the continent.
