Kampala: Airtel Africa and Starlink today launched satellite-to-mobile service in Uganda, making it the second African market where it is commercially available, following its inaugural rollout in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August. The service enables Airtel customers in Uganda with compatible smartphones to remain connected in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
Using Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile constellation of 650 launched satellites, customers can access light-data applications including WhatsApp messaging, as well as SMS. No specialised equipment, satellite dish or separate device is required.
The service will be particularly valuable to people and organisations operating in remote areas, including transport and logistics operators, humanitarian organisations, health workers, farmers, mining operations and communities beyond the reach of existing terrestrial networks. It will also support access to essential communications during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary terrestrial network disruptions.
Eligible customers can register through the MyAirtel App for free trial access to the service for an introductory 30-day period. Following the introductory period, customers will be able to access Starlink Mobile through eligible Airtel Uganda data bundles.
The commercial launch builds on the strategic partnership announced by Airtel Africa and Starlink in December 2025 and subsequent testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services earlier this year. Uganda is the second Airtel Africa market to move to commercial deployment as the Group progressively expands the service across its footprint, subject to regulatory approvals.
Speaking on the launch, Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, commented: “We are pleased to bring Starlink Mobile to Uganda, following our first commercial launch in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This demonstrates the progress we are making in extending satellite-to-mobile connectivity across Africa. Our ambition is to complement the reach of our terrestrial networks with satellite technology so that our customers can remain connected wherever they live, work or travel. Airtel appreciates the support received from the Government of the Republic of Uganda for ensuring smooth deployment.”
Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Uganda, Soumendra Sahu, said: “This partnership between Airtel Uganda and Starlink Mobile is transforming how connectivity is delivered across Uganda. Starlink’s advanced satellite technology complements our ongoing investments in terrestrial infrastructure and enabling customers to stay connected even when they venture beyond conventional mobile coverage. We are grateful to the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the Uganda Communications Commission for creating an environment that supports our continued innovation and investment in Uganda’s telecommunications sector.”
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon Justine Kasule Lumumba remarked “As government we have a responsibility of building an enabling policy environment to support private sector growth in ICT. With Starlink Mobile’s satellite technology, it’s supporting increased productivity and connectivity of the economy. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Airtel and Starlink for this partnership. Keep challenging yourselves.”
The Uganda launch marks the latest step in Airtel Africa’s rollout of Starlink satellite-to-mobile technology across its markets, complementing the Group’s continued investment in terrestrial network infrastructure and its ambition to extend connectivity to more people across Africa.