Elon Musk-led SpaceX has received the necessary licenses in 9 out of 14 countries where Airtel Africa has its presence and regulatory permission for five other nations are under process, presently
Sunil Bharti Mittal-led Airtel Africa has announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet service to users in Africa. The company in a statement on Tuesday said Airtel Africa, along with SpaceX, will enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and increase connectivity for businesses, socio-economic communities, including schools and health centres in the remotest parts.
“This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships,” said Airtel Africa MD Sunil Taldar, according to the statement.
Elon Musk-led SpaceX has received the necessary licenses in 9 out of 14 countries where Airtel Africa has its presence and regulatory permission for five other nations is under process presently.
“SpaceX has acquired the requisite licenses in 9 out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint. Operating licenses for the other 5 countries are under process,” said Bharti Airtel Africa unit in a statement.
Once all regulatory approvals are received, the partnership will allow Airtel Africa to integrate Starlink’s low earth orbit satellite technology into its service offerings ensuring broader coverage and higher connectivity resilience. The partnership will help Musk-owned SpaceX to use Airtel’s existing ground infrastructure, including its terrestrial networks and technical capabilities across the continent.
This development comes just days after Congo granted a license to billionaire Musk’s Starlink. Earlier in April, the high-speed internet provider was granted operating licenses by Somalia and Lesotho.
Starlink’s entry into Africa has come after much resistance from the government. In March last year, the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority notified that the use of Starlink was banned, and violators would face sanctions. However, the regulator last week said it had given a license to billionaire Musk’s company and “will proceed with the launch of its services in the coming days”.
The military officials had earlier warned that it could be used by rebel groups like Rwandan-backed M23.