Airtel Africa and SpaceX have collaborated to usher in Starlink’s high-speed internet services to Airtel customers across the continent.
As of today, SpaceX has bought requisite licenses in 9 out of 14 nations within Airtel Africa’s footprint, and operating licenses for the remaining 5 are currently in the works.
With this partnership, Airtel Africa will further boost its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings, while aiding connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities like schools and health centres, even in the most rural parts of the continent. The telecoms company is focusing on exploring rural coverage expansion via cellular backhauling.
Airtel Africa and SpaceX will keep seeking more ways to aid the promotion of digital inclusion across Africa, and the latter intends to benefit from the former’s ground network infrastructure.
According to Airtel Africa’s MD and Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, partnering with SpaceX is a huge step to prove the company’s continued commitment to developing Africa’s digital economy via strategic investments and collaboration.
He believes that next-generation satellite connectivity will guarantee every individual and business smooth access to dependable and affordable voice and data connectivity, even in the most remote parts of the continent.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations, Chad Gibbs, revealed that working with Airtel will deliver the vital benefits Starlink has to offer Africans who are in need of innovation.
He maintained that Starlink will always welcome the opportunity to collaborate with key industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can take advantage of Starlink’s presence in Africa.
“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. The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business,” Gibbs added.
