Airtel Africa to Launch Starlink Direct-to-Cell Satellite Service in 2026

Airtel Africa plans to roll out Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service across its 14 African markets in 2026, including Kenya, in a move set to transform mobile connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

The service will allow ordinary mobile phones to connect directly to low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites without the need for special dishes or additional equipment. Through the partnership with SpaceX, Airtel will extend satellite-to-mobile coverage to its 174 million subscribers, marking the first large-scale Direct-to-Cell deployment in Africa.

Direct-to-Cell technology enables standard smartphones to communicate with satellites that function like mobile base stations in space. These satellites use conventional mobile network protocols, allowing seamless connectivity. While Starlink will provide satellite capacity through its constellation of approximately 650 satellites, Airtel will handle network integration and customer management.

Rather than replacing existing mobile towers, the satellite service is designed to complement terrestrial networks by filling coverage gaps in rural communities, national parks, border regions, and offshore areas where building towers is costly or impractical.

At launch, the service will support text messaging and limited data for select applications. Voice calls and full broadband services are expected later, once Starlink’s next-generation satellites become operational. These advanced satellites are projected to deliver data speeds up to 20 times faster than earlier satellite-to-mobile systems.

Regulatory approval will determine rollout timelines in each country, meaning availability may vary across Airtel’s markets. In Kenya, the service could significantly improve connectivity in remote counties where mobile coverage remains inconsistent. SMS services, in particular, remain vital in the country for mobile money alerts, emergency notifications, authentication messages, and everyday communication.

Starting with text messaging and limited data ensures essential services are accessible even before full broadband capabilities are introduced.

For Airtel, Direct-to-Cell offers a cost-effective way to expand coverage without heavy investment in new infrastructure. Building towers in remote areas often requires substantial capital with limited commercial returns. Satellite connectivity bypasses these challenges while allowing customers to keep the same SIM cards, phones, and billing arrangements. From a user’s perspective, coverage simply appears in areas that previously had none.

Regulation remains a critical factor. Satellite-to-phone services involve spectrum allocation, lawful interception, emergency response integration, and national security considerations. While Airtel’s established presence in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo may ease approvals, delays are possible in markets like Tanzania, Uganda, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and the Seychelles.

Satellite Connectivity Expands Africa

Starlink has already deployed Direct-to-Cell services in the United States and New Zealand, with Ukraine accessing the technology through Kyivstar. Africa represents a larger opportunity due to persistent coverage gaps and a vast mobile subscriber base. 

Partnering with Airtel allows Starlink to navigate regulatory requirements through an experienced local operator rather than entering markets independently.

The phased rollout reflects technical constraints, as Direct-to-Cell operates under strict power and spectrum limits. Launching with low-bandwidth services reduces risk and supports smoother integration with existing mobile networks, with voice and broadband expected to follow once the system proves stable.

The service is not expected to disrupt Africa’s mobile operators but instead adds a new layer to the competitive landscape. Operators that integrate satellite coverage gain a clear advantage in hard-to-reach areas, while those relying solely on terrestrial infrastructure may struggle to expand further.

In Kenya, where Airtel already offers Starlink broadband in select locations, Direct-to-Cell is expected to enhance mobile reliability beyond the reach of traditional networks.

 Although details on compatible devices, pricing, and exact rollout dates are yet to be announced, the commercial launch is targeted for 2026.

The initiative underscores a shift in mobile network expansion—combining ground-based towers with satellite connectivity to reach regions that were previously inaccessible.

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