Airtel Africa, Starlink plan direct-to-phone satellite service for 2026

Airtel Africa is expanding its partnership with SpaceX to launch Starlink’s direct-to-mobile satellite service across 14 African markets from 2026.

Starlink said on X that the deal could reach more than 170 million people and makes Africa the sixth continent for its satellite-to-phone offer, aimed at filling coverage gaps. The service will first support data for voice, video and messaging, then upgrade to full high-speed broadband. Airtel Africa CTO Atul Sachdeva said the rollout will start in 2026 with data for selected apps and text messaging, and will depend on approvals in each country. He noted Airtel Africa will be the first mobile operator on the continent to provide Starlink direct-to-mobile service, using a constellation of 650 satellites. The move builds on Airtel Africa’s May agreement with SpaceX to distribute Starlink broadband across its footprint, and a related deal struck earlier with its parent company in India.