Airtel Africa has announced an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa. This comes after the Indian telecom giant announced a distribution agreement to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to customers in India earlier this year. Currently, SpaceX has acquired the necessary licenses in 9 out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s operational area, while the same for the remaining 5 countries is currently being processed. This collaboration aims to enhance Airtel Africa’s next-generation satellite connectivity offerings that will be available for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities in rural parts of Africa, such as schools and health centres.
Airtel Africa, along with SpaceX, will explore expanding rural coverage through cellular backhauling and will even try to cover other areas to promote digital inclusion in Africa. The partnership will also explore Musk-owned rocket company’s potential to utilise and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.
Meanwhile, in India, the Musk-owned company first needs to secure government approval before it can begin offering Starlink services. Satellite communication providers across the country are still on hold, awaiting clear regulations on service pricing and the allocation of satellite spectrum.
What Airtel Africa and SpaceX said about the partnership
In a statement, Sunil Taldar , MD and CEO of Airtel Africa said: “We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. 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.”
On the other hand, Chad Gibbs, SpaceX VP of Starlink business operations, 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. The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business.”
Airtel Africa, along with SpaceX, will explore expanding rural coverage through cellular backhauling and will even try to cover other areas to promote digital inclusion in Africa. The partnership will also explore Musk-owned rocket company’s potential to utilise and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.
Meanwhile, in India, the Musk-owned company first needs to secure government approval before it can begin offering Starlink services. Satellite communication providers across the country are still on hold, awaiting clear regulations on service pricing and the allocation of satellite spectrum.
What Airtel Africa and SpaceX said about the partnership
In a statement, Sunil Taldar , MD and CEO of Airtel Africa said: “We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. 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.”
On the other hand, Chad Gibbs, SpaceX VP of Starlink business operations, 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. The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business.”
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