Airtel Africa announced on Monday it has signed a deal with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s LEO satellite internet services to customers in all 14 African countries where Airtel operates – at least once Starlink has licences to operate in them.
Airtel Africa noted that Starlink currently has licences in nine Airtel markets: Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, Chad, Madagascar and – as of last week – the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Meanwhile, Starlink has applied for licences in Airtel’s other five African markets: Tanzania, Uganda, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo and the Seychelles.
Airtel Africa said it plans to use Starlink’s LEO satellites to enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, schools, health centres in even the most rural parts of Africa.
Airtel will also explore ways to use Starlink’s cellular backhaul capabilities to expand its terrestrial mobile networks to rural areas, while SpaceX will seek ways to leverage Airtel Africa’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.
Airtel Africa and SpaceX will also continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent, said Airtel Africa MD and CEO Sunil Taldar.
“Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently underserved parts of Africa,” he said in a statement.
Chad Gibbs, SpaceX’s VP of Starlink business operations, added that Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets.
“This agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence,” he said.
