Airtel Africa has clarified that its planned Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite service will not replace existing 4G or future 5G mobile networks in Nigeria, but will instead extend basic connectivity to locations where no terrestrial network exists.
The clarification was made by Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, during a press conference held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following questions about the scope of the satellite partnership with SpaceX.
Despite about 88 percent of Nigeria’s population being covered by terrestrial networks, large gaps remain across deserts, mountains, highways, and sparsely populated rural areas. Airtel said the satellite service is designed specifically to address these coverage gaps rather than compete with ground-based infrastructure.
“This provides satellite connectivity across all our 14 markets of Airtel Africa, serving about 174 million customers. Airtel Nigeria will launch this service in 2026, providing data for select applications, text messaging, and USSD services,” Balsingh said.
He explained that the service is not positioned as a high-speed alternative to 4G or 5G in cities, but as a way to ensure phones do not completely lose service when users move outside coverage zones.
“Some areas are deserts, mountains, or simply too remote for fibre. Satellite connectivity ensures reliable access wherever you go, irrespective of geography,” Balsingh said.
According to Airtel, challenges such as fibre vandalism, inaccessible terrain, and low population density have made traditional network expansion expensive and slow. The satellite option is meant to complement existing infrastructure and act as a fallback when terrestrial networks are unavailable.
Starlink’s first-generation and next-generation satellites will deliver mobile connectivity directly to smartphones, allowing access to services such as messaging platforms, mobile money, and essential applications even where there is no existing mobile mast.
Airtel Nigeria said it will be the first mobile operator in the country to introduce Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity, supported by about 650 satellites for wide coverage.
Addressing concerns about who stands to benefit, Balsingh said the service is intended for both rural residents and people travelling through remote areas.
“It will be a combination of both. While deep rural areas have lower smartphone penetration, there is still a significant population. Connectivity will serve local communities and travellers alike,” he said.
He added that farmers, traders, and seasonal workers who regularly move between towns and villages would be able to stay connected during such movements.
Balsingh also noted that improvements in technology have made satellite mobile connectivity more realistic than in the past. “Technology moves forward. Today, around 50–55 percent of our customers use smartphones, up from single digits a decade ago. SpaceX’s innovations make satellite mobile connectivity realistic and scalable,” he said.
Alongside the satellite rollout, Airtel Africa said it continues to invest in terrestrial infrastructure. Over the past six months, 700 new sites have been deployed, with 99 percent ready for 4G, while preparations for 5G continue. Home broadband solutions, including Smart Connect outdoor units, are also being expanded.
Beyond coverage, Airtel said resilience is a key focus. “This is a big boon for rural markets. We have to ensure the service is well deployed and people don’t feel a difference as they switch seamlessly between these technologies,” Balsingh said.
Airtel Africa said the Starlink Direct-to-Cell service is scheduled for launch in Nigeria in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
