Airtel and Starlink Test “Cell Towers in Space” to End Dead Zones for Kenyans
Airtel Africa has announced the successful testing of satellite-to-mobile data and messaging services in Kenya, in a move to expand connectivity across underserved regions in Africa.
The pilot, conducted in areas with no terrestrial network coverage, demonstrated how Starlink Mobile can seamlessly connect standard 4G smartphones to its satellite network. Users were able to access essential services including WhatsApp calls and messaging, navigation tools, Facebook Messenger, and even complete financial transactions via the Airtel app.
The technology leverages a constellation of over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, effectively acting as “cell towers in space” to deliver connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach locations.
Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar, said the milestone reflects the company’s commitment to inclusive digital access.
“We are thrilled to move from announcement to actionable steps with our partners at SpaceX. This testing phase in Kenya is a testament to our commitment to expanding global access,” he said.
Mr Taldar added that the integration of Starlink Mobile technology will ensure customers remain connected even beyond traditional network coverage.
Following the successful tests, the two companies plan to expand the service across Airtel Africa’s 14 markets, subject to regulatory approvals. Future phases are expected to introduce voice calling and enhanced data capabilities through Starlink Mobile V2 technology, which aims to deliver broadband directly to mobile devices.
Airtel Africa currently serves approximately 174 million customers across sub-Saharan Africa, offering mobile voice, data and financial services. The company continues to prioritise digital and financial inclusion as part of its broader strategy to transform lives across the continent.
