Airtel Uganda Launches Starlink Direct-to-Cell Satellite Tests

Airtel Uganda has commenced testing Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite network, just days after receiving provisional regulatory approval from Ugandan authorities. This development marks a significant milestone in expanding mobile connectivity to remote and underserved regions across the country.

The tests are part of Airtel Africa's broader partnership with SpaceX to deploy satellite-backed mobile services across 14 African markets. The technology enables standard smartphones to connect directly to low-earth orbit satellites, bypassing the need for traditional ground-based towers in areas with weak or no terrestrial coverage.

Technical Testing Phase Underway

Soumendra Sahu, managing director and CEO of Airtel Uganda, confirmed the rollout, stating that the company has entered the technical testing phase for the service. “This marks the start of testing a highly advanced technology that enhances smartphone network connectivity through direct-to-cell satellite services,” Sahu said.

How Direct-to-Cell Satellite Technology Works

Unlike conventional satellite internet systems that require dedicated dishes or terminals, direct-to-cell technology links ordinary mobile phones to satellites operating as space-based cellular sites. This approach is being positioned by telecom operators as a cost-effective way to extend network reach into sparsely populated and geographically challenging areas without relying on new tower construction.

Previous Pilot Success in Kenya

Earlier this year, Airtel Africa and Starlink conducted pilot tests in Kenya using standard 4G smartphones in locations outside Airtel's terrestrial network coverage. The trials successfully supported messaging, voice calls, and light data applications, including mobile money transactions, providing one of the first operational demonstrations of the technology in Africa.

Regulatory Approval and Conditions in Uganda

The Uganda rollout follows a provisional licence approval issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). The regulator stipulated that Starlink must establish a physical operational presence in Uganda, deploy a national gateway, and ensure all locally activated devices are properly registered.

Local Oversight Requirements

Ugandan authorities have also required Starlink to maintain technical, legal, and customer support teams within the country as part of the licensing framework for satellite communications providers. These conditions reflect growing regulatory scrutiny across African markets as low-earth orbit satellite operators expand services beyond traditional telecom infrastructure models.

Key Regulatory Conditions

• Establish a physical operational presence in Uganda
• Deploy a national gateway for local data routing
• Register all locally activated devices
• Maintain in-country technical, legal, and customer support teams

Uganda's Ministry of ICT confirmed that the licensing agreement followed extended discussions with Starlink to align operations with national communications rules before approval was granted.

Impact on Connectivity and Competition

Ryan Goodnight, representing Starlink and SpaceX, said the company intends to support connectivity projects in sectors including education and healthcare through equipment deployments in selected institutions. “We believe this partnership will lower internet costs and enable more people to join the digital economy,” he said.

Competitive Landscape

The Uganda tests move Airtel and Starlink further into a developing competition around satellite-to-mobile services in Africa. Rival initiatives involving AST SpaceMobile and telecom groups including Vodafone and Vodacom are pursuing similar technology aimed at extending mobile coverage beyond conventional cellular networks.

For Airtel Africa, the Uganda deployment offers another live test of whether satellite partnerships can reduce the cost and complexity of expanding mobile coverage in underserved regions where traditional infrastructure investments remain commercially difficult.