Airtel Kenya is seeking regulatory approval to launch a SpaceX-powered mobile service that would allow customers to remain connected even in areas without traditional cell towers, marking a significant shift in how mobile operators extend network coverage across Africa.
The proposed Direct-to-Cell (DTC) service, which has already completed a successful pilot, will enable compatible smartphones to connect directly to SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit satellites whenever users move beyond the reach of Airtel’s terrestrial network. If approved by the Communications Authority of Kenya, Airtel would become the country’s first operator to offer direct satellite-to-phone connectivity.
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The development signals the beginning of a new era in mobile communications, where satellites complement, rather than replace, conventional telecom infrastructure. It also positions Airtel at the forefront of a global race among operators to eliminate network blind spots without the enormous capital costs
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