Airtel Africa has announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX that will see Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite technology deployed across all 14 of the company’s African operating markets, Nigeria included.

The Initiative is designed to push mobile connectivity into locations where conventional network infrastructure does not exist.

Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, in a statement on Tuesday said the Direct-to-Cell solution enables standard smartphones to link straight to satellites, eliminating dependence on mobile base stations.

Taldar said the commercial launch is targeted for 2026, with the first phase offering text messaging and limited data access for select applications.

Beyond the initial rollout, the collaboration also covers the introduction of next-generation satellite broadband technology, expected to deliver data speeds up to 20 times faster.

This advanced phase will be implemented later and remains subject to regulatory clearance in each participating country.

The company continues to prioritize delivering a high-quality customer experience by expanding access to dependable and uninterrupted mobile connectivity.

He explained that Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell capability works alongside existing terrestrial networks while also extending coverage to hard-to-reach locations where building traditional infrastructure is difficult.

Taldar added that the company is enthusiastic about the partnership, noting that it is expected to set a new benchmark for service reach and availability across Airtel Africa’s entire 14-market footprint.

With approximately 174 million subscribers across the continent, Airtel Africa said it is the first mobile network operator in Africa to roll out Starlink Direct-to-Cell.

The partnership, the company stated, will play a critical role in narrowing the digital divide by providing dependable connectivity to rural and underserved communities.

Starlink Direct-to-Cell operates on what is described as the world’s largest satellite constellation, consisting of more than 650 low-Earth-orbit satellites capable of delivering messaging, voice, video, and data services to mobile devices in coverage-poor regions.

Stephanie Bednarek, Starlink’s Vice President of Sales, said the service will allow people across Africa to remain connected in remote areas where terrestrial networks cannot reach. She noted that the agreement with Airtel Africa will also enable deployment of Starlink’s next-generation technology, offering high-speed broadband access that supports faster connections to essential services.

Globally, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology is already operational in select regions, with additional markets preparing for rollout as new partnerships are established.

In the United States, the service is commercially available through T-Mobile, allowing compatible devices to send text messages and receive emergency alerts via Starlink satellites when outside traditional network coverage.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has rolled out the service through Kyivstar, initially providing SMS capabilities with plans to expand to voice and data. This development made Ukraine the first European country to offer the satellite-based service to regular 4G mobile users. (BusinessDay)