Airtel Africa has disclosed a strategic collaboration with SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite technology across all 14 African countries where it operates, including Nigeria.The move aims to extend mobile network coverage to areas currently beyond the reach of conventional telecommunications infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, explained that the Direct-to-Cell technology allows regular smartphones to connect directly to satellites, removing the need for mobile base stations. According to Taldar, the commercial rollout is planned for 2026, with the initial phase focused on text messaging and limited data services for specific applications. The partnership also includes plans to deploy advanced satellite broadband technology at a later stage, which is expected to deliver data speeds up to 20 times faster, subject to regulatory approvals in each market.
He noted that Airtel Africa remains committed to enhancing customer experience by widening access to reliable and uninterrupted mobile services.Taldar further said the Direct-to-Cell solution will complement existing terrestrial networks while expanding coverage to remote and hard-to-access areas where traditional infrastructure is difficult to deploy. He added that the partnership is expected to raise service availability and reach across Airtel Africa’s entire 14-country presence.
With a subscriber base of about 174 million across the continent, Airtel Africa said it has become the first mobile network operator in Africa to adopt Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology. The company said the collaboration is expected to help reduce the digital gap by delivering consistent connectivity to rural and underserved communities.
Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service runs on a large low-Earth-orbit satellite network of more than 650 satellites, enabling mobile devices to access messaging, voice, video, and data services in areas with limited network coverage.Starlink’s Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, said the service will help people stay connected in remote locations where terrestrial networks are unavailable. She added that the partnership with Airtel Africa will also support the rollout of Starlink’s next-generation technology, providing high-speed broadband and improved access to essential services.
Globally, the Direct-to-Cell service is already active in selected regions, with more markets preparing for deployment through new partnerships. In the United States, the service is available via T-Mobile, allowing compatible devices to send text messages and receive emergency alerts through Starlink satellites when outside standard network coverage. In Ukraine, the service has been launched through Kyivstar, initially offering SMS with plans to expand to voice and data services, making Ukraine the first European country to provide the satellite-based service to regular 4G mobile users.
