Airtel Africa, SpaceX partner to usher in Starlink internet into Africa

Airtel Africa, on Monday announced that it has entered an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa.

Airtel Africa said this in a statement.

It said that currently, SpaceX had acquired requisite licenses in nine out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint, noting that operating licenses for the other five countries were being processed.

“With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will further enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities like schools, and health centres in most rural parts of Africa.

“Airtel Africa will also explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhauling,” it stated.

According to the statement, Airtel Africa and SpaceX will continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilise and benefit from the telco’s ground network infrastructure and its other capabilities in Africa.

Commenting, Airtel Africa Managing Director, Mr Sunil Taldar said the company would remain deeply committed to its vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa.

Taldar said the partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate Airtel’s continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships.

“The next-generation satellite connectivity will provide reliable, affordable voice and data services to remote, under-served parts of Africa, bridging the digital divide for individuals, businesses, and communities.”

The Vice President of Starlink Business Operations, Mr Chad Gibbs said: “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to African people in new and innovative ways.

“With Starlink already available in over 20 African markets, this partnership with Airtel showcases our commitment to collaborating with industry leaders to expand connectivity and bring Starlink’s benefits to more people across the continent,” Gibbs said.

He noted that Airtel’s team had been instrumental in shaping Africa’s telecom landscape, making them a natural partner to complement Starlinks direct services across the continent.