Airtel, Starlink partner to boost internet access in Africa
Airtel Africa announced on Monday a cooperation with SpaceX's Starlink to provide high-speed satellite internet to millions of people throughout the continent, with a focus on remote and underserved areas.The collaboration, which will take place in nine countries—Nigeria, Chad, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—aims to close Africa's digital gap, which will leave over 600 million people, or half of the population, offline by 2025.
Starlink, which operates in nine of Airtel Africa's 14 markets, now has 237,000 African subscribers. The agreement, which includes Airtel's 163.1 million customers, has the potential to greatly increase dependable internet connectivity for businesses, schools, hospitals, and consumers.
The program, which leverages Starlink's low Earth orbit satellite technology and Airtel's strong market presence, offers continuous voice and data access in places beyond the reach of traditional fibre or mobile networks.
The agreement also boosts Airtel's enterprise capabilities by enabling high-speed internet in rural healthcare, education, and other sectors.
The alliance will investigate satellite-based cellular backhauling to extend Airtel's mobile network to remote areas, therefore addressing long-standing infrastructure concerns.
"Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community has reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently underserved parts of Africa," according to Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa.
The Airtel-SpaceX alliance has the potential to transform Africa's communications business. By combining Starlink's satellite internet with Airtel's ground network, the firm will be able to significantly expand its coverage into rural and distant locations that were previously considered too expensive or difficult to service.
"The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa's telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business," said Chad Gibbs, SpaceX's Vice President of Starlink Business Operations.
Beyond improving rural connections, the Airtel-SpaceX pact paves the potential for more extensive collaboration. SpaceX may use Airtel Africa's enormous ground infrastructure to improve service delivery, while both firms look into new potential for digital inclusion, such as affordable broadband access, education technology, and remote healthcare solutions.
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