Airtel Africa has entered a landmark partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite connectivity across all 14 African countries where it operates, a move expected to significantly expand mobile coverage to remote and underserved areas.

Under the agreement, the service—scheduled to launch in 2026—will allow compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites without the need for traditional cell towers or special hardware. Initial offerings will include text messaging and limited data services for select applications, with broader capabilities to follow.

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The partnership will serve Airtel Africa’s more than 174 million customers and makes the company the first mobile network operator on the continent to adopt direct-to-cell satellite technology. The solution is designed to complement existing terrestrial networks and eliminate long-standing connectivity “dead zones,” particularly in rural and hard-to-reach regions.

Airtel Africa also confirmed that the deal covers Starlink’s next-generation direct-to-cell broadband system, which will use advanced satellites capable of delivering data speeds up to 20 times faster than current satellite-to-phone services.

Commenting on the development, Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the technology would help overcome challenges associated with deploying conventional network infrastructure. “Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements the terrestrial infrastructure and reaches areas where deploying network solutions is difficult. This collaboration will establish a new standard for service availability across our 14 markets,” he said.

The announcement follows similar global deployments, including Ukraine’s Kyivstar, which became Europe’s first operator to launch the service in November 2025 amid ongoing conflict-related infrastructure challenges.

While the rollout remains subject to regulatory approvals in each country, the partnership positions Africa at the forefront of satellite-integrated mobile connectivity, with potential benefits for digital inclusion, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, and emergency response across the continent.