Airtel Africa has signed a landmark agreement with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 African markets.
This breakthrough will extend mobile network access to a combined customer base of 174 million subscribers, enabling connectivity in regions where terrestrial coverage is limited or unavailable.
Service Launch Timeline: 2026 Rollout
The satellite-to-mobile service is scheduled to launch in 2026, beginning with data services for select applications and text messaging. The partnership also supports Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, powered by next-generation satellites capable of delivering up to 20x faster data speeds compared to earlier capabilities. Rollout will depend on country-specific regulatory approvals.
Airtel Africa Becomes First to Offer Starlink Direct-to-Cell
With this agreement, Airtel Africa becomes the first mobile network operator on the continent to provide Starlink Direct-to-Cell services. The solution will be supported by approximately 650 satellites, ensuring seamless connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional infrastructure deployment remains challenging.
Bridging Africa’s Digital Divide
The collaboration reinforces Airtel Africa’s strategy to bridge the digital divide and extend reliable connectivity beyond terrestrial limits. Both companies have also expressed plans to explore additional opportunities for digital inclusion, positioning satellite-enabled mobile connectivity as a key pillar in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
Leadership Perspectives
Sunil Taldar, MD and CEO of Airtel Africa, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with Airtel’s mission to improve customer experience:
“Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements terrestrial infrastructure and even reaches areas where deploying conventional solutions is challenging. We are very excited about this collaboration, which will establish a new standard for service availability across all our 14 markets.”
Stephanie Bednarek, Vice President of Sales at Starlink, highlighted the life-changing impact of the service:
“For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach. Through this agreement, we’ll deliver next-generation technology to offer high-speed broadband connectivity, enabling faster access to essential services.”
Vodacom Group Joins Forces with Starlink to Expand Rural Broadband
In November, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink signed a deal with Vodacom Group, parent company of Safaricom, to expand high-speed broadband access and strengthen rural network coverage across Africa.
The agreement, announced on November 12, aims to accelerate digital inclusion and support economic growth on the continent.
Integrating Satellite Backhaul into Vodacom’s Network
The partnership will integrate Starlink’s satellite backhaul into Vodacom’s mobile network, improving performance in underserved regions and extending connectivity to remote schools, health centres, and communities.
Vodacom will also become an authorised reseller of Starlink equipment and services for enterprise and small-business clients.
Vodacom Leadership on Digital Inclusion
Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, welcomed the collaboration:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Starlink, a move that accelerates our mission to connect every African to the internet. Low Earth orbit satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible, and this partnership will unlock new possibilities for the unconnected.”
Vodacom plans to tailor packages to suit affordability needs across different African markets, supporting industries such as mining, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, retail, and financial services. Offerings include pay-as-you-use backup internet, “unbreakable” connectivity options, device-as-a-service models, and branch network pooling.
Vision 2030 Strategy and Market Expansion
The partnership complements Vodacom’s existing 4G, 5G, fibre, microwave, and satellite infrastructure, positioning Starlink as a key addition to its customer-centric solutions portfolio. It aligns with Vodacom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which targets 260 million customers and 120 million financial services users within five years.
Chad Gibbs, Starlink’s Vice President for Operations, added:
“Starlink is already serving people, businesses and organizations in 25 African countries. By collaborating with Vodacom, Starlink can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to even more customers, transforming lives and communities across the continent.”
Starlink’s Growing Footprint in Africa
The Vodacom deal follows Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market in July 2023, where it began offering high-speed connectivity in remote areas underserved by local ISPs. Initially, Safaricom opposed Starlink’s independent licensing but later signaled openness to partnership.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, noted:
“From a satellite perspective, we have to partner with Starlink or other satellite providers in the future to make sure that the technology plays right through. We have had some discussions, and we will continue to have those discussions to the extent that they complement what we are offering.”
Powered by SpaceX, Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite network delivers high-speed, low-latency internet, making it ideal for rural and underserved regions. Together with Airtel Africa and Vodacom, Starlink is rapidly positioning itself as a catalyst for Africa’s digital transformation.
