Airtel Africa has entered 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 in underserved regions.
Speaking on the collaboration, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, explained that the service is fundamentally different from Starlink’s existing broadband offering, which requires customers to purchase and install satellite dishes and routers.
“This is not about buying a Starlink kit or installing equipment on your roof,” Balsingh said. “This is direct-to-mobile connectivity. Customers with compatible 4G or 5G smartphones will be able to connect straight to satellites whenever they move outside areas covered by terrestrial networks.”
The initiative is designed to address persistent connectivity gaps in deep rural and hard-to-reach locations, where deploying traditional network infrastructure is often difficult or prohibitively expensive. Under the agreement, Airtel Africa customers will be able to access satellite connectivity seamlessly on their mobile phones in places without ground-based network coverage.
According to Balsingh, the service will initially support text messaging, USSD services, mobile money transactions, and selected data applications, including WhatsApp messaging and calls. High-speed data services are planned for later phases as next-generation Starlink satellites become operational.
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 connectivity, powered by a constellation of hundreds of low-Earth-orbit satellites.
Balsingh stressed that the satellite service is not intended to replace Airtel’s existing terrestrial network, especially in urban centres and towns. He noted that approximately 98 percent of Nigeria’s population is already covered by Airtel’s network, with about 99 percent of its sites operating on 4G and overall network availability standing at roughly 99.5 percent.
“Urban areas and most towns are already very well covered,” he said. “Where this solution truly makes a difference is in deep rural communities, deserts, mountainous regions, or areas where building roads and towers is extremely challenging. In such locations, satellite connectivity can be deployed much faster.”
Addressing concerns around affordability and relevance for rural users, Balsingh observed that smartphone adoption, while lower in rural areas than in cities, continues to rise steadily. He added that services such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and mobile money are already widely used in rural communities.
“This service supports both the people who live in these areas and those who travel in and out for farming, trading, and other economic activities,” he said.
Beyond extending rural coverage, Airtel noted that the satellite link will also enhance network resilience. It will serve as a backup option during fibre cuts, vandalism, or natural disruptions that affect terrestrial infrastructure.
Balsingh said the partnership aligns with Airtel Africa’s broader mission to bridge the digital divide and promote financial inclusion across the continent.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that no community is left behind,” he stated. “With satellite-to-mobile connectivity, customers can stay connected wherever they go, regardless of geography.”
While unveiling the satellite initiative, Airtel Nigeria reaffirmed its continued commitment to investing in terrestrial infrastructure. Over the past six months, the company has deployed about 700 new network sites, expanded fibre capacity, upgraded 4G radios, and continued rolling out 5G services in major urban centres.
“Today’s announcement goes beyond technology,” Balsingh said. “It is about enabling opportunity, expanding possibilities, and ensuring that every Nigerian can take part in a more inclusive digital future.”
