Elon Musk's SpaceX partners with Airtel Africa to introduce Starlink's satellite internet across Africa

Telecom major Bharti Airtel's Africa unit, Airtel Africa, has partnered with Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa. Currently, SpaceX has acquired requisite licenses in 9 out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint. Operating licenses for the other 5 countries are under process. 

With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will further enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities like schools, health centres in even the most rural parts of Africa. Airtel Africa will also explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhauling. 

Airtel Africa and SpaceX will continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa, as per the statement.

Airtel's partnership with SpaceX for the Indian market

Earlier in March this year, Bharti Airtel announced its partnership with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in India. In addition to this, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio also partnered with SpaceX to offer Starlink’s broadband internet services to its customers in India. 

The company said the partnership is subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorizations to sell Starlink in India.

Leadership comments

Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar 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," Taldar added.

SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations Chad Gibbs 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."

Airtel Africa's presence

Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. The company's integrated offer provides national and international mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services to over 156 million customers.