Airtel Uganda has launched Airtel Starlink, a satellite connectivity service designed to keep phones connected outside the reach of traditional cell towers. Announced in a post on X on September 24, the service is available to customers who opt in through the MyAirtel App, with 30 days free until October 23.
The carrier describes Airtel Starlink as “connectivity beyond traditional network coverage,” promoting it with the tagline “The road may end. Your connection doesn’t have to.” Support is limited to supported Android devices for now, and terms and conditions apply. The service appears to use Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite technology, which allows ordinary phones to connect directly to satellites in areas without terrestrial coverage.
The launch adds to a growing list of direct-to-cell agreements between Starlink and mobile carriers worldwide. Recent examples include Starlink’s partnership with Mobicom in Mongolia, a first video call test with FASTWEB in Italy and Starlink Mobile service heading to Japan with au.
For Ugandan customers, the offer is simple: 30 days of satellite connectivity at no charge when they opt in through the app. Pricing after the free period ends on October 23 has not been announced, leaving questions about how Airtel will position the service after the promotion ends and whether it will expand to other Airtel markets across Africa.
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