KAMPALA, September 24, 2026 — Airtel Africa has officially launched satellite-to-mobile connectivity in partnership with Starlink, making Uganda the second African market to commercially deploy the service.
The launch was held at the Marriott Hotel in Kampala and attended by Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo and ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba.
The service is designed to extend mobile connectivity to Airtel customers in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, provided users have a compatible smartphone and a clear view of the sky.
Unlike conventional satellite services, customers do not require a satellite dish, specialised equipment or a separate device to access the service.
Starlink Mobile currently supports light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging and SMS, using Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile constellation.
Airtel Africa said the service will be particularly useful to people and organisations operating in remote areas, including transport and logistics operators, humanitarian agencies, health workers, farmers and mining operations.
It could also provide an alternative communication channel during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks.
Eligible Airtel customers can register through the MyAirtel App for a free 30-day introductory trial. After the trial period, customers will be able to access Starlink Mobile through eligible Airtel Uganda data bundles.
The launch follows a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025, followed by testing of satellite-to-mobile data and messaging services earlier this year.
Uganda becomes the second Airtel Africa market to move to commercial deployment after the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the service was launched in August.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the Ugandan launch demonstrates the company’s efforts to combine satellite technology with its existing terrestrial networks.
“Our ambition is to complement the reach of our terrestrial networks with satellite technology so that our customers can remain connected wherever they live, work or travel,” Taldar said.
He also acknowledged the support of the Ugandan government in facilitating the deployment.
Sahu said the partnership would complement Airtel Uganda’s continued investment in conventional telecommunications infrastructure.
“Starlink’s advanced satellite technology complements our ongoing investments in terrestrial infrastructure and enabling customers to stay connected even when they venture beyond conventional mobile coverage,” Sahu said.
Minister Lumumba said government was responsible for creating an environment that supports private-sector investment and innovation in the ICT sector.
“With Starlink Mobile’s satellite technology, it’s supporting increased productivity and connectivity of the economy,” she said.
She congratulated Airtel and Starlink on the partnership and urged the companies to continue pursuing technological innovation.
Airtel Africa said it plans to progressively expand Starlink Mobile across its other markets, subject to regulatory approvals.
The satellite-to-mobile service is being introduced alongside Airtel’s existing terrestrial network, with the company positioning the technology as a way of extending connectivity to areas where conventional mobile infrastructure is difficult to deploy.
