Telecommunications giant, Airtel Africa, has signed a landmark agreement with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services across the continent, in a major boost for digital inclusion and connectivity in underserved regions.

The strategic partnership will integrate Starlink’s advanced satellite technology into Airtel Africa’s infrastructure, expanding internet access to remote areas, including schools, healthcare facilities, and small businesses.

According to Airtel, SpaceX has already secured operating licenses in nine out of the 14 African countries where the telecoms operator is present. Licensing efforts for the remaining five countries are currently ongoing.

“This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships,” said Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar. “Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity—even in the most remote parts of Africa.”

For SpaceX, the partnership provides access to Airtel’s vast ground infrastructure across Africa, enabling Starlink to scale its presence and support broader digital transformation efforts on the continent.

“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,” a Starlink spokesperson said.

Starlink, which is already active in more than 20 African countries, sees this partnership as an opportunity to deepen collaboration with regional operators, further driving economic empowerment and reliable internet access.

The move reflects a growing trend among mobile network operators to partner with satellite internet providers—once seen as competitors—to expand their reach. In Nigeria and other markets, Starlink has been gaining traction at the expense of traditional internet service providers, prompting telcos to rethink their strategies.

Last year, MTN Group revealed ongoing engagements with multiple satellite providers, including Starlink. Enterprise-grade trials are already underway in Rwanda and Nigeria. MTN is also exploring direct-to-cell trials with Lynk Global in South Africa and Ghana, alongside discussions with AST SpaceMobile for trials in Nigeria and South Sudan, and a pilot project with Eutelsat OneWeb in South Africa.

As demand for internet access in Africa continues to grow, collaborations like the Airtel-SpaceX deal may prove vital in closing the digital divide and ensuring no community is left behind in the continent’s digital revolution.

The post Airtel Africa Partners with SpaceX to Expand Starlink Internet Access in Remote Regions appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Documents obtained by Bloomberg reveal that Nigeria’s telecom industry faced staggering losses of nearly N27 billion ($23 million) in 2023 due to repairs and revenue losses resulting from damaged cables. MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa Plc were particularly affected, shouldering a significant portion of the costs.

MTN Nigeria, the largest wireless operator in Africa’s most populous nation, reported over 6,000 cuts on its fiber cable last year alone.

These damages led to substantial service disruptions for customers, with one incident in February resulting in more than five hours of data and voice outages across multiple locations.

To mitigate the vulnerability of its infrastructure, MTN Nigeria invested over N11 billion in relocating 2,500 kilometers of fiber cables between 2022 and 2023, an amount that could have otherwise been utilized to expand coverage in underserved areas.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator, has acknowledged the pressing issue and expressed willingness to collaborate with stakeholders to address it. Proposed measures include stricter regulations to deter vandalism and enhanced coordination between telecom companies and government agencies overseeing construction activities.

According to projections by the NCC, the telecom sector is poised to contribute more than a fifth of Nigeria’s gross domestic product by the end of 2027, underscoring its pivotal role in the country’s economic landscape.

In response to ongoing grievances from major telecommunications firms, the Nigerian government is taking steps to criminalize the destruction of broadband fiber cables. The Ministry of Works, responsible for overseeing federal road constructors, is reportedly finalizing regulations expected to be signed into law through an executive order by President Bola Tinubu.

The forthcoming regulations aim to impose severe penalties on perpetrators, marking a concerted effort to safeguard critical telecom assets against vandalism and criminal activities.

This move is anticipated to provide much-needed reassurance to investors amid mounting operational challenges, including currency depreciation and energy price hikes, faced by the telecom sector.

The post Telecom Giants in Nigeria Record N27bn loss as Cable Damage Takes Toll appeared first on Tech Digest News.