Airtel Africa expanded a cooperation with SpaceX to cover the launch of Starlink’s direct-to-mobile satellite service across its 14 markets in 2026.

In an X post, Starlink wrote the deal would connect more than 170 million people in Africa, marking the sixth continent for the satellite-to-mobile service and expanding its mission to cover dead zones.

The satellite operator added the service would begin by delivering data that enables voice, video and messaging, and advance to providing high-speed broadband service.

Airtel Africa group CTO Atul Sachdeva stated in a LinkedIn post the service would begin in 2026 with data for select applications and text messaging, noting the rollout would proceed in line with country-specific regulatory approvals.

Sachdeva said Airtel Africa is the first mobile operator on the continent to offer Starlink direct-to-mobile service, using 650 satellites.

Airtel Africa forged a deal with SpaceX to launch Starlink’s satellite-based broadband services across its footprint in May, following up on an agreement with the operator’s parent company in India.