Airtel Africa has carried out early tests of satellite-to-mobile services in Kenya, working with SpaceX’s Starlink to connect users in areas without network coverage.
The company said the trial focused on locations with no terrestrial signal. In those areas, Starlink Mobile connected directly to 4G smartphones using its satellite network.
Users were able to send messages, make WhatsApp calls, check maps, and complete transactions on the Airtel app.
Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer of Airtel Africa, said: “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.”
The company now plans to study the results from Kenya before expanding to its other markets. Airtel operates in 14 African countries and serves more than 170 million customers. However, rollout will depend on approvals from regulators in each country.
At the same time, the scope of the service is expected to grow. Airtel and SpaceX are preparing to introduce voice calls and wider data services using the next version of the technology, known as Starlink Mobile V2. That upgrade is designed to deliver broadband directly to standard mobile phones.
Across Africa, other telecom operators are moving in the same direction. MTN Zambia has already tested similar satellite-to-cell services, including data sessions and financial transactions. Nigeria is also expected to see deployments in 2026, with operators positioning for early entry.
So, this is not an isolated test. It is part of a wider push to eliminate mobile dead zones across the continent.
In Kenya, though, regulators are reviewing the development. The Communications Authority has opened a review into the Airtel-Starlink partnership to assess whether satellite signals could interfere with existing 3G, 4G and 5G networks. There are also proposals to raise satellite licence fees sharply, which could increase the cost of deployment.
Beyond Africa, the market itself is growing commendably. Estimates put the satellite phone segment at $3.87 billion in 2025, increasing to $4.49 billion in 2026. The satellite communications market is projected to reach $27.6 billion next year, with long-term growth expected.
