In a significant move to increase mobile coverage in underserved areas, Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to implement Starlink’s Direct-to-Mobile satellite connectivity throughout its 14 operating markets in Africa.
The service differs significantly from Starlink’s current broadband offering, which requires customers to purchase and install satellite dishes and routers, according to Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, who discussed the partnership. This has nothing to do with installing equipment on your roof or purchasing a Starlink kit, Balsingh stated.
Direct-to-mobile connectivity is what this is. Every time they travel outside of regions covered by terrestrial networks, customers with compatible 4G or 5G smartphones will be able to connect directly to satellites. In deep rural and difficult-to-reach areas, where deploying traditional network infrastructure is frequently challenging or prohibitively expensive, the initiative aims to address persistent connectivity gaps.
Customers of Airtel Africa will be able to easily access satellite connectivity on their mobile phones in locations without ground-based network coverage thanks to the agreement, BrandSpur telecom and IT news desk reports.
Balsingh claims that the service will initially support mobile money transactions, USSD services, text messaging, and a few data apps, such as WhatsApp calls and messaging. Later stages will see the launch of next-generation Starlink satellites, which will provide high-speed data services. Subject to regulatory approvals, Airtel intends to introduce the Direct-to-Mobile service in Nigeria in 2026. When it goes live, Airtel Nigeria will be the first mobile network provider in the nation to offer Starlink’s Direct-to-Mobile connectivity, made possible by a constellation of hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit.
Balsingh emphasised that, particularly in cities and towns, the satellite service is not meant to take the place of Airtel’s current terrestrial network. He pointed out that Airtel’s network currently covers about 98% of Nigeria’s population, with 99% of its sites running on 4G and an overall network availability of about 99.5%. He said: “Urban areas and most towns are already very well covered,” adding that: “Where this solution truly makes a difference is in deep rural communities, deserts, mountainous regions, or areas where building roads and towers is extremely challenging. In such locations, satellite connectivity can be deployed much faster.”
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Balsingh noted that although smartphone adoption is lower in rural areas than in cities, it is still increasing steadily, allaying worries about affordability and relevance for rural users. He went on to say that rural communities already make extensive use of services like Facebook, WhatsApp, and mobile money. He revealed: “This service supports both the people who live in these areas and those who travel in and out for farming, trading, and other economic activities.”
Continuing, Airtel stated that the satellite link will improve network resilience in addition to expanding coverage in rural areas. It will act as a fallback if terrestrial infrastructure is disrupted by fibre outages, vandalism, or natural disasters.
According to Balsingh, the collaboration is in line with Airtel Africa’s overarching goal of fostering financial inclusion and closing the digital divide throughout the continent. He said: “Our responsibility is to ensure that no community is left behind. With satellite-to-mobile connectivity, customers can stay connected wherever they go, regardless of geography.”
However, Airtel Nigeria reiterated its commitment to investing in terrestrial infrastructure while introducing the satellite initiative. The company has upgraded 4G radios, installed roughly 700 new network sites, increased fibre capacity, and continued to roll out 5G services in major cities over the last six months.
Balsingh went on to say: “Today’s announcement goes beyond technology. It is about enabling opportunity, expanding possibilities, and ensuring that every Nigerian can take part in a more inclusive digital future.”
