Airtel Africa and SpaceX have announced the successful testing of data and messaging services using Starlink Mobile in Kenya.
The milestone, announced on Tuesday, marks the first concrete step in the rollout of satellite-to-mobile connectivity across Airtel Africa’s 14 markets, collectively serving nearly 174 million subscribers.
The announcement builds on a landmark partnership the two companies forged in December 2025, when Airtel Africa announced an agreement with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across all of its 14 markets, making it the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer the service.
The Kenya trials were conducted specifically in areas where Airtel’s terrestrial mobile network had no signal. In these dead zones, Starlink Mobile was seamlessly activated, allowing standard 4G-compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink’s constellation of 650 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites without requiring any satellite dish or specialised hardware.
During the trials, the service successfully supported light-data applications, including WhatsApp calling and messaging, Facebook Messenger, maps, and financial transactions via the Airtel Money app.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the Kenya test phase was a clear demonstration of the company’s intent to move from concept to execution. “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. By integrating Starlink Mobile’s technology, we are ensuring that our customers remain connected even when they travel beyond our terrestrial network,” he said.
Unlike traditional satellite internet, Direct-to-Cell works without satellite dishes or special hardware. Standard smartphones connect to satellites acting as mobile base stations, extending coverage to remote and underserved regions.
The partnership also includes support for Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, powered by next-generation satellites capable of delivering high-speed connectivity to smartphones with 20 times improved data speed compared to the current generation. This next phase, branded Starlink Mobile V2, will enable full voice calling and expanded broadband directly to mobile handsets, capabilities the partners say they plan to roll out following the initial data-and-messaging services now being piloted.
The December 2025 Direct-to-Cell agreement followed an earlier partnership announced in May 2025, when Airtel Africa and SpaceX unveiled a first collaboration covering the integration of Starlink satellite internet services into Airtel’s data offerings.
Airtel Africa currently offers Starlink internet services in nine of its 14 markets where Starlink has regulatory clearance to operate. This includes Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, Chad, Madagascar, and, the Democratic Republic of Congo, with applications pending in the remaining five markets: Tanzania, Uganda, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo and the Seychelles.
The Starlink-Airtel arrangement also puts the two companies in direct competition with AST SpaceMobile’s relationship with Vodafone and Vodacom, which has an extensive presence across other African markets.
Following the Kenya trials, Airtel Africa and SpaceX say they plan to leverage the insights gained to expand the service progressively across Airtel Africa’s full footprint, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals. The roadmap also includes the planned launch of voice calling and broader data capabilities using Starlink Mobile V2 technology.
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