Airtel Nigeria has attributed the growing viability of satellite-based telecommunications services to recent technological advancements pioneered by SpaceX’s Starlink, noting that such innovations have made satellite connectivity both efficient and affordable.

The explanation was given by the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, while responding to questions from journalists during the formal announcement of Airtel Africa’s partnership with Starlink to roll out satellite-to-mobile services across Africa.

Balsingh explained that mobile network operators had historically depended largely on broadband cable connections to deliver services, adding that satellite communication was previously regarded as costly and largely ineffective for widespread mobile use.

He said those long-standing concerns have now been addressed through Starlink’s simplified architecture and advanced satellite technology, which has significantly changed the economics and performance of satellite communications.

According to Balsingh, the partnership will allow Airtel to provide satellite-to-mobile services across the 14 African countries where it operates, with a particular focus on locations that have limited or no access to terrestrial network infrastructure, using SpaceX’s Starlink platform.

He disclosed that the satellite service is designed to deliver data speeds of up to 20 times faster directly to smartphones, marking a major leap in mobile connectivity for users in underserved regions.

With more than 650 low-Earth orbit satellites already deployed, Airtel stated that it has become the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell services, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for rural, remote and previously unserved communities.

The company stressed that the partnership underscores its long-standing commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide and ensuring that physical location no longer restricts access to communication tools, economic opportunities or essential social services.

Also speaking on the collaboration, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar, said the partnership is in line with the company’s broader objective of improving customer experience and expanding dependable mobile connectivity across the continent.

“Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering a great experience to our customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions,” Taldar said.

He further explained that Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology is designed to complement existing terrestrial infrastructure while extending coverage to areas where the deployment of conventional network facilities is challenging.

“We are excited about this collaboration, which will set a new standard for service availability across all our 14 markets,” he said.

In her remarks, Starlink’s Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, described the initiative as a significant milestone for digital connectivity in Africa.

“For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach,” she said.

“Through our agreement with Airtel Africa, we are delivering life-changing connectivity and next-generation high-speed broadband that will unlock faster access to essential services,” Bednarek added.

Both Airtel Africa and Starlink stated that they would continue to explore additional areas of collaboration beyond the initial rollout, with the aim of deepening digital inclusion and expanding reliable connectivity across Africa.