Airtel and Starlink launch satellite-to-mobile service in Uganda

Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched a satellite-to-mobile service in Uganda, making it the second African market where the service is commercially available after the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it rolled out in August.

The service was launched at an event at the Kampala Marriott Hotel on Thursday 24 September 2026, attended by Uganda Communications Commission executive director Nyombi Thembo, Minister of ICT & National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba, and Airtel Uganda managing director and CEO Soumendra Sahu.

Using Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile constellation of 650 launched satellites, the service lets customers with compatible smartphones stay connected in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks, provided they have a clear view of the sky. No specialised equipment, satellite dish or separate device is required.

At launch the service carries text messages and light data, including WhatsApp messaging, SMS (including the one-time passcodes needed for Airtel Money payments) and Google Maps. Voice calls and video are not supported for now. Customers opt in through the MyAirtel app and turn on data roaming; the phone switches to the satellite network automatically once it loses contact with the ground network.

The first 30 days are free. After the introductory period, customers access Starlink Mobile through eligible Airtel Uganda data bundles. Sahu said: “Now people will not be disconnected anywhere.”

The UCC said Airtel will have to report on how the service performs every two weeks. “We want to learn with you,” Thembo told Airtel’s managers at the launch.

The Uganda launch flows from a December 2025 agreement between Airtel Africa and SpaceX that aims to roll out Starlink direct-to-cell service in all 14 of Airtel Africa’s markets by the end of 2026. Starlink resumed official operations in Uganda in May after securing its operating licence, and Airtel is nearing a similar launch in Kenya following a pilot test earlier in 2026.

Sources

• PCTechMag: “Airtel Africa launches Starlink mobile in Uganda” (24 Sept 2026)
• PML Daily: “Airtel, Starlink launch satellite service for phones outside mobile coverage” (24 Sept 2026)
• Technext24: “Starlink, Airtel launch Africa’s second satellite-to-mobile service in Uganda”
• Teslanorth: “Airtel Uganda Launches Airtel Starlink, Satellite Connectivity With 30 Days Free”
• UG Standard: “Airtel Uganda to unveil Starlink partnership as satellite race heats up”