Airtel Africa has struck a deal with SpaceX to use the Starlink constellation of satellites to bring direct-to-cell technology across its 14 markets in the region. The company has confirmed its partnership with the Elon Musk-headed satellite company for its expansion of satellite connectivity.
Once launched, the service will override dead zones and provide signals to devices from satellites orbiting in low Earth orbit. And the deal also contributes to establishing that direct-to-cell is fast becoming a new trend in the arena of global connectivity.
Kyivstar, Ukraine’s leading telco, was the first to launch Starlink’s direct-to-cell service to keep millions connected in times of terrestrial network failure. It’s only likely to grow in the coming years.
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Airtel Africa plans direct-to-cell in 2026
Airtel Africa says that it will bring direct-to-cell technology across its African markets in 2026, bringing data for select apps and text messaging. The biggest benefit is that it will enable communication in places where a cell signal is not available and can potentially help save lives in emergency situations.
Recently, Rogers Satellite was launched in Canada with data support for WhatsApp and some select apps. It’s a similar case here, too.
Airtel Africa users with supported phones will have a clear advantage with the Starlink satellite service available to them.
Airtel Africa states that the partnership also brings a “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”.