Airtel Africa, with 163.1 million subscribers, has signed an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa.
With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will tap Starlink’s satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities, and in rural areas where the satellite provider is available. Both partners highlighted that they would continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion on the continent.
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Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa’s chief executive officer, said, “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.”
Chad Gibbs, SpaceX vice president of Starlink Business Operations, stated, “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.”
Read also: How Starlink became Nigeria’s second largest ISP in two years
Starlink has grown to become Nigeria’s second-largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) in under two years. Its edge lies in its network of satellites launched into orbit by SpaceX rockets. Starlink satellites orbit the earth at much lower altitudes than traditional satellite internet services.
Its technology brings internet access to underserved areas, and in a region where broadband penetration is still low, satellite internet providers are fast becoming a solution to expanding internet access to rural areas, which are typically challenging to reach with traditional infrastructure such as towers and base stations.
