Airtel Africa has entered a new partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite technology across its African operations, including Nigeria. The move aims to extend mobile network coverage to remote and underserved areas where traditional telecom infrastructure remains unavailable or unreliable.
The service will allow compatible smartphones to connect directly to satellites, removing the need for mobile towers. As a result, users in hard-to-reach locations will gain basic connectivity for the first time.
How Starlink Direct-to-Cell Will Work
Under the agreement, Airtel Africa plans to roll out the Direct-to-Cell service in phases, beginning in 2026. Initially, the technology will support text messaging and limited data services for selected applications.
However, in a later phase, next-generation satellites will deliver high-speed broadband. These upgrades could offer data speeds up to 20 times faster than the initial service, subject to regulatory approvals in each country.
Airtel Targets Rural and Underserved Communities
Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, described the partnership as a major step toward closing Africa’s digital gap. According to him, the satellite service will complement existing terrestrial networks rather than replace them.
“We are excited about this collaboration with Starlink,” Taldar said. “It will help us set a new standard for service availability across all our markets, especially in areas where building network infrastructure is difficult.”
Currently, Airtel Africa serves about 174 million customers across 14 African countries. Importantly, it has become the first mobile network operator on the continent to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell technology.
Nigeria Set to Benefit From Satellite Connectivity
Meanwhile, Starlink executives say the expansion into Africa will unlock new opportunities for digital inclusion. Starlink Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, noted that the service will help people stay connected even when terrestrial coverage fails.
She added that the partnership will also enable access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and emergency communications.
Already, Starlink Direct-to-Cell operates in parts of the United States and Ukraine. Nigeria now stands among the first African countries positioned to benefit from this satellite-powered mobile connectivity.
