DUBAI — Airtel Africa and SpaceX have announced a partnership to bring Starlink satellite-to-mobile messaging to 14 African countries, targeting a 2026 launch for the service.
The agreement allows Airtel Africa customers to send and receive text messages and use select data applications directly via satellite. The service is designed for people in remote areas where traditional mobile towers do not reach, using standard smartphones without the need for additional hardware.
Airtel Africa, which serves 174 million customers, is the first mobile operator on the continent to sign such a deal with Starlink. The service will utilize a constellation of 650 satellites that act as cell towers in space to eliminate mobile dead zones.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the technology will complement existing terrestrial infrastructure.
Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology even reaches areas where deploying terrestrial network solutions are challenging, Taldar said. We are very excited about the collaboration with Starlink, which will establish a new standard for service availability.
The partnership also includes plans to introduce Starlink’s next-generation broadband system. This future technology is expected to offer high-speed connectivity to smartphones with data speeds up to 20 times faster than current satellite-to-mobile capabilities.
Stephanie Bednarek, vice president of sales at Starlink, said the messaging and broadband services would provide a vital link to essential services for people in isolated regions.
For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach, Bednarek said.
The rollout of the satellite-to-mobile service is subject to regulatory approval in each specific country. Airtel Africa and Starlink said they would continue to look for ways to expand digital inclusion across their operating markets.
Airtel Africa provides telecommunications and mobile money services across sub-Saharan Africa. Starlink is operated by SpaceX and currently provides connectivity to more than 11 million customers worldwide.
