Starting in 2026, Airtel plans to introduce Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology across its 14 African markets, including Kenya.
The service will allow ordinary mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, without the need for special dishes, antennas, or new devices.
The initiative will cover Airtel’s more than 170 million subscribers, making it the largest satellite-to-mobile rollout ever attempted on the continent.
Unlike traditional satellite internet, which requires a fixed dish or terminal, Direct-to-Cell connects standard smartphones to low-Earth orbit satellites that act like mobile towers in space.
These satellites communicate with phones using existing mobile network standards, meaning customers will continue using their normal SIM cards, phone numbers and billing plans.
The initiative will cover Airtel’s more than 170 million subscribers, making it the largest satellite-to-mobile rollout ever attempted on the continent.
Unlike traditional satellite internet, which requires a fixed dish or terminal, Direct-to-Cell connects standard smartphones to low-Earth orbit satellites that act like mobile towers in space.
These satellites communicate with phones using existing mobile network standards, meaning customers will continue using their normal SIM cards, phone numbers and billing plans.
From the user’s point of view, the phone simply gains signal in places where coverage previously did not exist.
Airtel will handle the integration with its terrestrial mobile networks, while Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, will provide satellite capacity through its growing constellation of low-orbit satellites.
The system is designed to complement, not replace, ground-based towers. It will mainly fill coverage gaps in rural areas, border regions, national parks, islands, and offshore zones where building towers is expensive or impractical.
When the service launches, it will initially support text messaging and limited data services. These will focus on essential functions such as SMS, alerts, authentication messages and basic app connectivity.
Voice calls and full broadband data are expected to follow later, once Starlink deploys its next-generation satellites, which are designed to deliver much higher speeds and capacity than earlier systems.
Industry experts say starting with SMS and limited data is a practical approach. Satellite-to-phone services operate under tight power and spectrum limits, and low-bandwidth services are more reliable during early deployment.
In Kenya, the technology could significantly improve connectivity in remote counties where mobile coverage is inconsistent or unreliable.
Airtel will handle the integration with its terrestrial mobile networks, while Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, will provide satellite capacity through its growing constellation of low-orbit satellites.
The system is designed to complement, not replace, ground-based towers. It will mainly fill coverage gaps in rural areas, border regions, national parks, islands, and offshore zones where building towers is expensive or impractical.
When the service launches, it will initially support text messaging and limited data services. These will focus on essential functions such as SMS, alerts, authentication messages and basic app connectivity.
Voice calls and full broadband data are expected to follow later, once Starlink deploys its next-generation satellites, which are designed to deliver much higher speeds and capacity than earlier systems.
Industry experts say starting with SMS and limited data is a practical approach. Satellite-to-phone services operate under tight power and spectrum limits, and low-bandwidth services are more reliable during early deployment.
In Kenya, the technology could significantly improve connectivity in remote counties where mobile coverage is inconsistent or unreliable.
SMS remains a critical service in the country, supporting mobile money alerts, emergency notifications, government messaging and basic communication.
By ensuring text services are available even in hard-to-reach areas, Direct-to-Cell could improve access to financial services, security alerts and emergency response systems.
For Airtel, the technology offers a cost-effective way to expand coverage without heavy investment in new towers.
By ensuring text services are available even in hard-to-reach areas, Direct-to-Cell could improve access to financial services, security alerts and emergency response systems.
For Airtel, the technology offers a cost-effective way to expand coverage without heavy investment in new towers.
Building and maintaining infrastructure in sparsely populated areas is often not commercially viable, but satellites can bypass these challenges entirely.
Despite its promise, the service will depend heavily on regulatory approvals. Satellite-to-mobile services raise complex issues, including spectrum allocation, emergency service integration, lawful interception and national security oversight.
Each African country has its own regulatory framework, meaning rollout timelines may differ from market to market.
Despite its promise, the service will depend heavily on regulatory approvals. Satellite-to-mobile services raise complex issues, including spectrum allocation, emergency service integration, lawful interception and national security oversight.
Each African country has its own regulatory framework, meaning rollout timelines may differ from market to market.
While Airtel’s strong presence in countries like Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda may ease approvals, delays are still possible elsewhere.
Starlink has already launched Direct-to-Cell services in countries such as the United States and New Zealand, while Ukraine uses the technology through a partnership with Kyivstar.
Africa presents an even larger opportunity due to persistent coverage gaps and a heavy reliance on mobile connectivity.
By partnering with Airtel, Starlink avoids entering African markets alone, instead working through an established operator that understands local regulations and infrastructure.
The move does not threaten traditional mobile operators but adds a new layer to network expansion. Operators that combine towers with satellite coverage gain a clear advantage in reaching remote populations.
Details such as pricing, compatible phone models and exact launch dates have not yet been announced. However, the commercial rollout is expected to begin sometime in 2026.
By partnering with Airtel, Starlink avoids entering African markets alone, instead working through an established operator that understands local regulations and infrastructure.
The move does not threaten traditional mobile operators but adds a new layer to network expansion. Operators that combine towers with satellite coverage gain a clear advantage in reaching remote populations.
Details such as pricing, compatible phone models and exact launch dates have not yet been announced. However, the commercial rollout is expected to begin sometime in 2026.
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