Airtel Africa and Starlink have commercially launched satellite-to-mobile connectivity in Uganda, enabling Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access messaging and selected low-data services in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks.
The launch, held in Kampala on September 24, makes Uganda the second African market where Airtel Africa has commercially introduced Starlink Mobile, following the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the service launched in August.
The service connects compatible smartphones directly to Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile network without requiring a satellite dish, specialised equipment or a separate device. Customers with a clear view of the sky can use services including SMS and WhatsApp messaging when conventional Airtel coverage is unavailable.
Airtel said the service is intended to extend connectivity to remote communities and organisations operating in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult to deploy. Potential users include people working in transport and logistics, healthcare, humanitarian operations, agriculture and mining, while the service can also provide an alternative communications channel during natural disasters or temporary network disruptions.
Eligible Airtel Uganda customers can register through the MyAirtel app for a free 30-day trial. Following the trial period, the service will be available through eligible Airtel Uganda data bundles. Current information indicates that the service is being introduced initially on compatible Android smartphones, while Airtel has not yet announced iPhone availability.
The launch follows Airtel Africa and SpaceX’s strategic partnership announced in December 2025 to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell connectivity across Airtel Africa’s markets. Airtel subsequently conducted testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services, including successful tests in Kenya earlier this year.
Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu said Starlink’s satellite technology complements the company’s investment in terrestrial infrastructure by allowing customers to remain connected beyond conventional network coverage. Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the Uganda deployment forms part of the group’s wider plan to progressively expand satellite-to-mobile connectivity across its African markets, subject to regulatory approvals.
Uganda’s Communications Commission (UCC) has previously outlined a regulatory framework allowing licensed mobile operators to incorporate satellite capacity into their networks. The commission said Starlink had secured provisional infrastructure and service licences and could share infrastructure with licensed operators to expand connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the regulator would monitor the service for compliance with requirements covering quality, reliability and consumer protection. The commission has also said Uganda’s technology-neutral regulatory framework allows operators to use satellite or terrestrial infrastructure to meet coverage obligations.
The Uganda launch marks another step in Airtel Africa’s strategy to combine its terrestrial network with satellite connectivity. Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile network is designed to work with existing LTE phones where there is a clear view of the sky, with current capabilities focused on messaging and selected data applications and future generations expected to support higher-bandwidth services.
Source: https://satelliteprome.com/news/airtel-uganda-brings-starlink-mobile-connectivity-to-remote-areas/
