Airtel Uganda and Starlink have launched satellite-to-mobile services in Uganda, allowing customers with compatible smartphones to stay connected in areas beyond the reach of conventional mobile networks.
The service was launched Thursday in Mpala, Wakiso District, making Uganda the second African market where Airtel has commercially introduced Starlink Mobile, following the Democratic Republic of Congo in August.
The service uses Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile network to provide light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging and SMS, without requiring customers to install a satellite dish or carry a separate device.
Customers will need a compatible smartphone and a clear view of the sky to access the service.
The service is expected to benefit people and organisations operating in remote areas, including transport and logistics companies, humanitarian agencies, health workers, farmers, mining operations and communities outside the reach of terrestrial mobile networks. It could also provide an alternative communication channel during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks.
Eligible Airtel customers can register through the MyAirtel App for a free 30-day trial. After the trial period, customers will access Starlink Mobile through eligible Airtel Uganda data bundles. The launch follows a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025 and subsequent testing of satellite-to-mobile data and messaging services earlier this year.
Speaking at the launch, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the partnership is intended to complement Airtel’s terrestrial networks and keep customers connected beyond conventional network coverage. Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu said the technology complements the company’s continued investment in terrestrial infrastructure.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, said government has a responsibility to create an enabling policy environment for private investment in ICT.
She said the satellite technology would support connectivity and productivity across the economy.
Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the Commission had licensed Starlink to provide satellite services and enabled infrastructure-sharing arrangements with established mobile operators.
Thembo said Airtel’s deployment demonstrates how the regulatory framework can be used to expand connectivity to areas that are difficult to reach with conventional infrastructure.
He said mobile operators are required under their licensing conditions to achieve 90 percent geographical coverage, including hard-to-reach areas such as islands, mountainous regions and dense forests.
He added that UCC’s regulatory approach is technology-neutral, meaning operators can use terrestrial networks or satellite technology to achieve coverage objectives.
The Commission will monitor the satellite-to-mobile service to ensure compliance with service quality, reliability and consumer protection requirements.
Airtel Africa said Uganda’s launch is part of its wider plan to progressively introduce Starlink satellite-to-mobile services across its African markets, subject to regulatory approvals-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
