Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa in a move expected to enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings for enterprises, businesses, and insititions in rural parts of Africa.
Currently, SpaceX has acquired requisite licenses in 9 out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint. Operating licenses for the other 5 countries are under process. With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will also explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhauling.
According to Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar: “This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships. Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently under-served parts of Africa.”
Airtel Africa and SpaceX will continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.
In March, Airtel and SpaceX partnered to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in India to enable Airtel and SpaceX to further explore how Starlink can complement and expand Airtel’s offerings in India.
Airtel and SpaceX in India offer Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail stores, Starlink services via Airtel to business customers, opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centers, among many others. The firm’s will do the same in Africa.
SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations Chad Gibbs said: “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways. Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets and this agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence.”