Vodacom Group has announced a pivotal agreement with Starlink, the world’s largest satellite broadband provider, to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to millions of businesses across Africa and expand rural network coverage. This collaboration marks a crucial step in bridging the digital divide and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, education, and innovation across Africa.
Integrating Starlink’s satellite backhaul into Vodacom’s mobile network will accelerate network coverage expansion while increasing network performance in rural areas. The collaboration will deliver robust connectivity to remote schools, health centers, and communities, empowering millions with access to digital services and information.
Vodacom will be authorized to resell Starlink equipment and services to enterprise and small business customers in Africa, while retaining the flexibility to create localized value propositions that consider the unique requirements and affordability of the African market.
By listening to clients across a range of industries—mining, oil & gas, agriculture, tourism, retail, and financial services—Vodacom has created a suite of relevant products. Leveraging terrestrial and space-based technologies, these products include pay-as-you-use backup internet; 100% unbreakable internet; device-as-a-service, and branch network pooling.
Starlink’s high-performance internet complimentsVodacom’s market-leading 4G, 5G, fiber, MPLS, microwave, and GEO satellite coverage across its markets.This also aligns with Vodacom’s Vision 2030 strategy to grow its customer base to 260 million and its financial services customers to 120 million within five years. By harnessing Starlink as a complementary layer, Vodacom is edging closer to universal coverage and reaffirming its commitment to connecting people to a better future.
Commenting on the agreement, Vodacom Group Chief Executive Officer, Shameel Joosub, said:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Starlink, a move that accelerates our mission to connect every African to the internet. Low-Earth orbit satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible, and this partnership will unlock new possibilities for the unconnected.”
Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Operations at SpaceX, added:
“Starlink is already serving people, businesses, and organizations in 25 African countries. By collaborating with Vodacom, Starlink can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to even more customers, transforming lives and communities across the continent.”
