Airtel Africa Plans Direct-To-Cell Satellite Launch In 2026

As 2026 begins, Airtel Africa is preparing to roll out its planned Starlink “Direct-to-Cell” satellite service across 14 African markets, enabling everyday smartphone to connect to the internet without relying on traditional cell towers or additional hardware, following its collaboration with SpaceX announced last year.

Under the agreement, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite technology will allow compatible 4G and 5G phones to connect directly to satellites in Low Earth Orbit. The service is designed to provide basic data and messaging initially, with next-generation satellites expected to deliver broadband connectivity at speeds up to 20 times faster than initial performance.

Traditional satellite internet — like current Starlink services — usually requires a dedicated terminal or dish to receive signals from satellites in low Earth orbit. But Direct-to-Cell (sometimes called Direct Satellite-to-Device) is different: it allows ordinary LTE or 5G smartphones to connect directly to satellites without special hardware beyond the device you already carry.

Many parts of Africa still struggle with consistent mobile broadband coverage due to cost, geography, and infrastructure limitations. Satellite services like Starlink have already shown demand — but also stumbling blocks.

However, some regulatory issues remain. In Uganda, for example, communications authorities have noted that Starlink itself is not yet authorized to launch direct consumer services, and any capacity must operate through licensed local partners like Airtel.

Under the Airtel-SpaceX agreement:

• The service will begin in 2026 and cover all Airtel Africa operations.
• Customers with compatible smartphones could seamlessly stay connected via satellite in areas where terrestrial networks don’t reach.
• Over time, the reach and quality of service are expected to expand as more advanced satellites come online.

Airtel Africa’s Managing Director and CEO Sunil Taldar explained the strategic value of the collaboration, saying:

“Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering great experience to our customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions. Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements the terrestrial infrastructure and even reaches areas where deploying terrestrial network solutions are challenging.”

This partnership makes Airtel Africa the first mobile network operator on the continent to offer this direct satellite-to-mobile service, which could be transformative for rural and underserved regions where building traditional cell towers is prohibitively expensive or simply infeasible.