(Press release)
Airtel Africa announces an agreement with SpaceX to offer Starlink broadband internet services to its African customers. SpaceX has currently acquired the necessary licenses in nine of the 14 countries covered by Airtel Africa. Operating licenses for the remaining five countries are in the process of being obtained.
Through this collaboration, Airtel Africa will further enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offering and increase connectivity for businesses and socio-economic communities such as schools and health centers, even in the most rural areas of Africa. Airtel Africa will also explore extending rural coverage through cellular backhauling.
Airtel Africa and SpaceX will continue to explore other avenues to promote digital inclusion on the continent, as well as SpaceX's ability to leverage and capitalize on Airtel's terrestrial network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.
Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, said: "We remain deeply committed to our vision of enriching the lives of Africans. This partnership with SpaceX is an important step that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing Africa's digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships. Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community has reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity, even in the most remote and currently underserved regions of Africa."
Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Commercial Operations for Starlink at SpaceX, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the people of Africa in an innovative way. Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets, and this agreement with Airtel illustrates how, once licensed, Starlink looks forward to partnering with important industry leaders to bring Starlink's presence to as many people as possible. The Airtel team has played a vital role in the history of telecommunications in Africa. Collaborating with them to complement our direct offering in Africa is therefore a logical step for our company."