Grace Ashiru
Airtel Africa and SpaceX have completed successful testing of Starlink Mobile’s data and messaging services in Kenya, marking a concrete step toward bringing satellite-to-mobile connectivity to areas without terrestrial network coverage.
The testing took place in locations with no existing mobile signal. In these zones, Starlink Mobile activated seamlessly on 4G-compatible smartphones, connecting users to SpaceX’s constellation of 650 low-Earth orbit satellites.
During the tests, the connection supported light-data applications including WhatsApp calling and messaging, maps, Facebook Messenger, and financial transactions through the Airtel app.
“We are thrilled to move from announcement to actionable steps with our partners at SpaceX,” said Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa. “This testing phase in Kenya is a testament to our commitment to expanding global access. By integrating Starlink Mobile’s technology, we are ensuring that our customers remain connected even when they travel beyond our terrestrial network.”
Airtel Africa and SpaceX plan to use insights from the Kenya tests to expand the service across all 14 of Airtel Africa’s markets, pending regulatory approvals in each country.
The partners also plan to introduce voice calling and expanded data capabilities through Starlink Mobile V2 technology, which will enable broadband speeds directly to mobile phones.
Airtel Africa serves 174 million customers across sub-Saharan Africa. The Starlink partnership addresses a persistent challenge on the continent: providing connectivity in remote areas where building traditional cell towers is not economically viable.
Starlink Mobile operates as the world’s largest direct-to-cell satellite constellation, partnering with mobile network operators globally to function as what SpaceX describes as “a cell phone tower in space
