Starlink and Airtel Africa have launched a satellite-to-mobile service in Uganda, making the East African country the second in Africa to gain access to the service.
Starlink announced the commercial launch on Thursday, saying its mobile service would enable Airtel Uganda customers in areas without conventional cellular coverage to connect compatible smartphones directly to its satellite network.
“Starlink Mobile is now available in Uganda with Airtel Uganda, connecting millions of people in rural and remote communities with apps and messaging where cell signal isn’t available,” the company said in a post on X.
The launch follows the introduction of Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which became the first African country to deploy the service.
The technology is designed to extend mobile connectivity to areas without terrestrial network infrastructure, allowing supported smartphones to connect directly to satellites without requiring a mobile tower or Starlink dish.
The service will initially support messaging and light-data applications, including WhatsApp and Facebook, on compatible devices.
Airtel Uganda said customers with supported smartphones would be able to opt into the service through the MyAirtel app and receive a 30-day free trial before accessing the service through eligible Airtel Uganda data bundles.
Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO, Soumendra Sahu, said the partnership would complement the company’s existing investments in terrestrial network infrastructure.
“Starlink’s advanced satellite technology complements our ongoing investments in terrestrial infrastructure and enables customers to stay connected even when they venture beyond conventional mobile coverage,” Sahu said.
The launch comes as African telecom operators explore satellite technology as a way of extending connectivity to rural and underserved communities, where the cost of deploying conventional infrastructure remains a challenge.
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Other operators have also begun testing or developing satellite-to-mobile services.
In March, MTN Zambia completed a field test of Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology, while AXIAN Telecom partnered with AST SpaceMobile to provide satellite-based broadband connectivity to standard mobile phones.
Airtel is also preparing to launch the service in Kenya after conducting a pilot of Starlink’s mobile data and messaging services earlier in 2026.
The Ugandan launch comes weeks after Starlink received regulatory approval to resume operations in the country.
The satellite-to-mobile technology could expand mobile coverage in areas where conventional infrastructure remains unavailable, particularly in remote and rural communities.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
