Airtel Africa has signed an agreement with SpaceX to roll out Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 African markets, including Nigeria, in a move aimed at expanding mobile network access in underserved and remote areas.
The company disclosed the partnership in a statement released on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Under the agreement, Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones will be able to connect directly to Starlink satellites in areas without terrestrial mobile network coverage.
The service is expected to significantly improve connectivity for Airtel’s estimated 174 million customers across the continent.
According to Airtel Africa, the satellite-to-mobile service is scheduled to begin in 2026, initially supporting text messaging and limited data services, subject to regulatory approvals in each operating country.
The partnership also covers Starlink’s next-generation Direct-to-Cell broadband system, which will leverage upgraded satellites designed to deliver substantially improved performance.
Airtel Africa said the technology could provide up to 20 times faster data speeds compared to earlier satellite-to-mobile solutions.
Commenting on the development, Airtel Africa Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the collaboration would complement existing terrestrial infrastructure and extend connectivity to areas where deploying traditional networks is challenging.
Starlink’s Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, said the partnership would enable reliable connectivity in remote parts of Africa currently beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, improving access to essential digital services.
With the agreement, Airtel Africa becomes the first mobile network operator in Africa to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell services.
The solution will be powered by a constellation of approximately 650 satellites, providing mobile connectivity in locations where conventional network infrastructure is unavailable or difficult to deploy.
Both companies noted that the initiative is intended to complement, not replace, existing terrestrial networks, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities, as part of broader efforts to deepen digital inclusion across Africa.