Airtel has partnered with SpaceX to introduce Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite technology to all its 14 markets, including Kenya, signalling a shift in how mobile connectivity will reach remote and underserved areas.
The satellite-to-mobile service will begin across Africa in 2026, marking a departure from tower-based expansion of satellite-powered mobile coverage, allowing ordinary smartphones to connect directly to space when ground networks are unavailable.
