Airtel Africa and Starlink have commercially launched satellite-to-mobile connectivity in Uganda, allowing Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access messaging and selected low-data services in locations beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks. The service was launched in Kampala on September 24 and makes Uganda the second African market where Airtel Africa has introduced Starlink Mobile, following its launch in the Democratic Republic of Congo in August. The technology connects compatible smartphones directly to Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile network without requiring users to install a satellite dish, purchase specialised equipment or carry a separate satellite device. Customers with a clear view of the sky can use services such as SMS and WhatsApp messaging when conventional Airtel coverage is unavailable, extending basic mobile connectivity to areas where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult to deploy.
The service is aimed particularly at communities and organisations operating in remote locations, where conventional cellular infrastructure may not provide coverage. Airtel said potential users include people working in transport and logistics, healthcare, humanitarian operations, agriculture and mining. Satellite-to-mobile connectivity can also provide an additional communication option during natural disasters or temporary network disruptions when terrestrial networks may be unavailable. Eligible Airtel Uganda customers can register for a free 30-day trial through the MyAirtel application, after which the service will be available through eligible Airtel Uganda data bundles. The current rollout is focused on compatible Android smartphones, while Airtel has not yet announced support for iPhone devices.
The Uganda launch follows a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and SpaceX announced in December 2025 to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell connectivity across Airtel Africa markets. Airtel has since conducted testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services, including successful tests in Kenya earlier this year. The satellite-to-mobile network is designed to work with existing LTE smartphones when users have a clear view of the sky, removing the need for dedicated satellite hardware at the customer end. Current capabilities are focused on messaging and selected data applications, while future generations of the technology are expected to support higher-bandwidth services. Airtel Africa said the Uganda deployment forms part of a wider plan to progressively expand satellite-to-mobile connectivity across its African markets, subject to regulatory approvals.
Uganda’s Communications Commission has previously established a regulatory framework allowing licensed mobile operators to incorporate satellite capacity into their networks. The regulator said Starlink had secured provisional infrastructure and service licences and could share infrastructure with licensed operators to extend connectivity, particularly in underserved locations. The commission will monitor the service for compliance with requirements covering quality, reliability and consumer protection. Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu said Starlink technology complements the company’s investment in terrestrial infrastructure by helping customers remain connected beyond conventional coverage, while Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the Uganda deployment supports the group’s broader satellite-to-mobile strategy. The launch marks another step toward combining terrestrial and satellite networks to extend mobile connectivity into areas where traditional infrastructure remains difficult to deploy.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
