Airtel Africa Tests Starlink Direct-to-Cell in Madagascar

Airtel Africa has successfully tested direct-to-cell satellite connectivity in Madagascar, making it the third African market where the operator has trialled the technology after Kenya and Uganda.

The demonstration was carried out by Airtel Madagascar in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications, with participation from telecoms regulator ARTEC and the National Disaster Risk Management Office. The trial took place in Sadabe and included Madagascar’s first WhatsApp video call using direct-to-cell satellite connectivity.

The test also demonstrated satellite-enabled messaging, voice and video calls, as well as access to digital platforms including Facebook and YouTube. The technology allows standard 4G smartphones to connect directly to satellites when users are outside terrestrial mobile coverage.

The trial forms part of Airtel Africa’s cooperation agreement with SpaceX to deploy Starlink Direct to Cell services across selected markets. Airtel is positioning the technology as a complement to its terrestrial network, particularly in remote and underserved regions where traditional mobile infrastructure is difficult or uneconomical to deploy.

Madagascar represents a strong use case for satellite-to-phone connectivity. 4G coverage remains limited compared with the African average, while internet penetration is still relatively low despite broader mobile adoption. Direct-to-cell services could help close coverage gaps, support digital inclusion and create new growth opportunities as urban telecom markets mature.