Airtel Africa said the satellite-to-mobile service will begin across Africa in 2026, with data for select applications and text messaging.

Likewise, Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones in regions lacking terrestrial coverage will now be able to have network connectivity through Starlink. The company said the deal also includes support for Starlink’s first broadband direct-to-cell system, with “next-generation satellites that will be capable of providing high-speed connectivity to smartphones with 20x improved data speed.

In a statement, Airtel Africa said the service will support SMS and select text-messaging apps at first. It added that each market launch will be subject to local regulatory approval.

The news comes shortly after an earlier agreement between Airtel Africa and SpaceX. Announced in May, Airtel Africa now offers Starlink’s internet services in nine of its 14 markets, including Nigeria, Zambia, Chad, Kenya, the Democratic Public of Congo, Rwanda, Malawi, Niger and Madagascar.

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

“We are very excited about the collaboration with Starlink, which will establish a new standard for service availability across all our 14 markets.”

As the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer the Starlink direct-to-cell service, Airtel Africa uses the power of 650 satellites to provide seamless connectivity to its customers in more remote areas, the company said. Partnering with SpaceX hopes to reinforce the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, as both companies will explore further collaboration opportunities to advance digital inclusion.

Starlink vice president of sales, Stephanie Bednarek, added: “For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach, and we’re so thrilled that Starlink Direct to Cell can power this life-changing service.

“Through this agreement with Airtel Africa, we’ll also deliver our next-generation technology to offer high-speed broadband connectivity, which will offer faster access to many essential services.”

Related stories

MTN Group and Airtel Africa partner to expand coverage in Uganda and Nigeria

Huawei, BBI to build Africa national intelligent optical backbone

World’s longest subsea cable completed: Meta’s 2Africa set to supercharge connectivity across Africa