Airtel Uganda launches Starlink direct-to-cell satellite service

Airtel Uganda has launched Starlink Direct-to-Cell, a satellite-to-mobile service designed to provide connectivity in areas lacking terrestrial mobile-network coverage. This makes Uganda the second African market to introduce the technology, following the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Unlike traditional satellite broadband, this service does not require a satellite dish, router, or specialized handset. Instead, compatible smartphones can connect directly to Starlink’s constellation of approximately 650 satellites to enable SMS and WhatsApp messaging when conventional signals are unavailable. The service is intended to assist users in remote locations, such as mountains, national parks, or islands, where building traditional telecom towers is difficult or uneconomical. As part of the launch, eligible customers can access the service for free for the first 30 days.