Airtel Africa Partners SpaceX to Deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell Connectivity Across 14 Markets
Airtel Africa has announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to roll out Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 operating markets in Africa, marking a major step toward expanding mobile coverage to underserved and hard-to-reach areas on the continent.
Under the partnership, Airtel Africa customers will be able to access satellite connectivity directly on their mobile phones in locations where terrestrial network coverage is unavailable. The service, powered by Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, eliminates the need for satellite dishes, routers, or additional hardware.
Speaking on the development, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, explained that the initiative differs significantly from Starlink’s existing broadband service, which requires customers to purchase and install satellite equipment.
“This is not about buying a Starlink kit or putting anything on your roof,” Balsingh said. “This is direct-to-mobile connectivity. Customers with compatible 4G or 5G smartphones will be able to connect directly to satellites when they move into areas where there is no terrestrial network.”
The collaboration is designed to close persistent coverage gaps in deep rural communities, deserts, mountainous terrain, and other locations where building roads, fibre, and mobile towers is difficult or prohibitively expensive.
According to Balsingh, the initial phase of the Direct-to-Cell service will support basic mobile services including text messaging, USSD, mobile money transactions, and select data applications such as WhatsApp and WhatsApp calls. High-speed data services are expected to be introduced in later phases as next-generation Starlink satellites are deployed.
In Nigeria, Airtel plans to launch the Direct-to-Cell service in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Once live, Airtel Nigeria will become the first mobile network operator in the country to offer Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity.
Balsingh stressed that the satellite service is not intended to replace Airtel’s existing terrestrial network, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. He noted that Airtel already covers about 98 percent of Nigeria’s population, with 99 percent of its sites operating on 4G and overall network availability at approximately 99.5 percent.
“Urban areas and most towns are already very well covered,” he said. “Where this really helps is deep rural locations or places where it is extremely difficult and expensive to deploy infrastructure. In those places, satellite connectivity can be deployed much faster.”
Addressing concerns about affordability and relevance for rural users, Balsingh pointed out that smartphone adoption, while lower in rural areas than in cities, is steadily increasing. He added that digital services such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and mobile money are already widely used in rural communities.
“This service serves both people who live in these areas and those who travel in and out for farming, trading, and other economic activities,” he said.
Beyond extending coverage, Airtel noted that the satellite link will also enhance network resilience by serving as a backup in cases of fibre cuts, vandalism, or natural disruptions that affect terrestrial infrastructure.
The partnership, according to Airtel Africa, aligns with its broader mission to bridge the digital divide and accelerate financial inclusion across Africa.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that no community is left behind,” Balsingh said. “With satellite-to-mobile connectivity, customers will have access wherever they go, irrespective of geography.”
While unveiling the satellite initiative, Airtel Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in terrestrial infrastructure. Over the past six months, the company has deployed approximately 700 new sites, expanded fibre capacity, upgraded 4G radios, and continued 5G rollouts in major urban centres.
“Today’s announcement is not just about technology,” Balsingh added. “It is about enabling opportunities, expanding possibilities, and ensuring that every Nigerian can participate in a brighter digital future.”
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