Airtel Africa has announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to underserved and remote communities across its 14 African markets.
This collaboration aims to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable connectivity to areas traditionally lacking access to broadband infrastructure.
The partnership will integrate Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology into Airtel Africa’s existing network, enhancing coverage in rural regions, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and small businesses. Starlink’s satellite constellation, comprising thousands of satellites, offers low-latency and high-speed internet access, making it a viable solution for areas where traditional fiber or mobile broadband services are limited or unavailable.
According to Airtel Africa’s CEO, Sunil Taldar, “Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community has reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity—even in the most remote parts of Africa.”
The deployment of Starlink services is already underway, with operating licenses secured in nine of Airtel Africa’s markets. Regulatory processes are ongoing in the remaining five countries, with full-scale rollout expected in the coming months.
This initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and e-commerce, by providing reliable internet access that enables remote learning, telemedicine, digital financial services, and market access for farmers and entrepreneurs. Additionally, the partnership aligns with Airtel Africa’s commitment to enhancing digital inclusion and supporting economic development across the continent.
The collaboration between Airtel Africa and SpaceX marks a significant milestone in the efforts to expand internet connectivity in Africa, offering new opportunities for individuals and businesses in remote communities to participate in the digital economy
Read more on Tech Gist Africa:
Starlink, Elon Musk’s internet service company is set to begin operations in Kenya
SpaceX has shipped 100,000 Starlink terminals, according to Elon Musk
SpaceX has been awarded a $1.4 billion contract to launch five additional NASA astronauts
