When SpaceX's Starlink first launched, many industry observers braced for a showdown. The satellite internet venture, led by Elon Musk, was seen as a classic disruptor poised to bypass traditional mobile operators and connect millions of people beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. But in a strategic pivot, Starlink is now joining forces with the very companies it once seemed likely to challenge, in Africa and elsewhere.
Over the past few weeks, two of Africa's largest telecom groups, Airtel Africa and Vodacom, have struck separate deals to integrate Starlink's satellite technology into their services. Rather than clashing with incumbents who initially also mounted a fightback upon Starlinks arrival, the space-based network is becoming a back-end ally, helping telcos extend coverage into rural and remote areas where laying fibre or building masts is economically unviable.
This week, Airtel Africa announced a partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell connectivity across its 14 African markets, including Nigeria. The service, scheduled to begin in 2026, will allow customers with compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites in areas without ground-based coverage.
