MTN Zambia announces Starlink launch plan for Africa

MTN Zambia announces Starlink launch plan, marking a monumental shift for the entire continent. As a result, the company has officially become the first mobile operator in Africa to complete field testing of SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile. This innovative direct-to-cell service promises to revolutionize telecommunications by bridging the massive digital divide. Consequently, users in previously unreached areas will finally experience reliable network access.

During recent trials, the operator successfully transmitted the country’s first satellite-based data session. Furthermore, they completed a mobile money transaction using the company’s licensed spectrum alongside Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Therefore, this achievement represents a significant leap forward for satellite connectivity across the region.

A Historic Milestone in Telecommunications

To understand the magnitude of this event, we must look at the technology involved. Specifically, engineers used a standard LTE-compatible smartphone connected directly to Starlink satellites. Subsequently, this device completed both a data session and a fintech transaction through the MoMo platform.

Notably, no conventional ground towers were involved in this trial. MTN proudly described this event as a first for both the country and the African continent. MTN Zambia announces Starlink launch plan with the clear intention of rolling out these services commercially in the coming weeks. However, this rollout remains subject to final approval from the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA).

Successful Testing of Direct-to-Cell Technology

At launch, the new service will support essential digital tools. For example, users will access WhatsApp voice and video calls, the MoMo App, and the MyMTN App. Additionally, the network will support navigation and weather applications, with more features planned to follow shortly.

The Starlink direct-to-cell satellites essentially operate as cell towers in orbit. They use advanced phased array antennas to communicate directly with standard LTE handsets. Meanwhile, these satellites relay signals across the broader Starlink constellation via laser links. Consequently, they integrate with the operator’s existing systems in a manner very similar to traditional network roaming. Ultimately, this technology requires no specialized hardware, firmware updates, or dedicated apps. Users only need a clear view of the sky and a standard 4G-compatible phone.

Overcoming Geographical Barriers

MTN Zambia announces Starlink launch plan specifically to target Africa’s hardest-to-reach areas. The company stated that its new service will extend coverage to remote locations where building terrestrial infrastructure remains economically or logistically impractical.

Target areas primarily include national game parks, rural farming communities, and isolated settlements. Often, rivers and large water bodies surround these areas, making traditional tower construction completely unviable. Therefore, satellite connectivity offers the only realistic solution for these isolated populations.

The recent Zambian milestone builds upon a broader corporate satellite strategy spanning the entire continent. Over the past year, this strategy has accelerated rapidly. For instance, in March 2025, MTN South Africa and US satellite provider Lynk Global conducted the first satellite-to-mobile phone call in Africa. They successfully used an unmodified smartphone for this test.

That specific trial took place in Vryburg, North West. It successfully tested GSM voice and SMS capabilities over Lynk Global’s LEO network using licensed spectrum. Following this success, the company planned to extend testing to LTE networks as legacy 2G and 3G technologies are phased out. Furthermore, the broader group continues exploring partnerships with multiple providers, including Lynk Global, AST SpaceMobile, OneWeb, and Starlink.

Regulatory Hurdles and Why South Africa is Lagging

While MTN Zambia announces Starlink launch plan, other regions face significant delays. While MTN and Vodacom are aggressively testing and launching services elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa unfortunately continues lagging behind.

This delay occurs primarily because Starlink refuses to launch its fixed wireless broadband service in South Africa through local middlemen. Moreover, the country enforces very strict local ownership requirements for telecommunications licenses.

The Impact of Ownership Requirements

To obtain the necessary network, service, and spectrum licenses in South Africa, a company must meet specific criteria. Specifically, historically disadvantaged groups (HDGs) must own 30% of SpaceX’s local entity. These groups include Black individuals, women, youth, and people with disabilities. Consequently, these regulatory hurdles have temporarily stalled the deployment of advanced satellite connectivity in the nation.

Growing Competition in the African Market

MTN Zambia announces Starlink launch plan amidst intensifying competition among Africa’s major telecoms operators. Today, companies race to secure vital satellite connectivity partnerships and close massive coverage gaps.

In December 2025, Airtel Africa announced a massive partnership with SpaceX. They plan to roll out Starlink Mobile across all 14 of their African markets. This massive deal covers approximately 174 million subscribers. Services are set to begin in 2026, pending country-specific regulatory approvals.

Airtel Africa, Vodacom, and the Race for LEO Networks

In contrast, Vodacom has taken a slightly different route. Its parent company, Vodafone, announced an agreement with Amazon Leo. They aim to connect remote base stations via satellite backhaul. That specific arrangement focuses heavily on linking 4G and 5G sites in areas where deploying fiber or fixed wireless connections proves too difficult.

Additionally, Vodafone and Vodacom have partnered with AST SpaceMobile. Together, they successfully trialed a space-based 5G voice call using an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 back in 2023.

While various African mobile operators explore partnerships with multiple LEO providers, one fact remains clear. The current Starlink constellation remains completely unrivaled in the telecommunications space. Not only is it by far the largest constellation, boasting roughly 9,943 active satellites, but it is also the only commercially available LEO network operating at such a massive scale.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, as MTN Zambia announces Starlink launch plan, a new era of communication begins for the continent. By leveraging powerful direct-to-cell technology, the company is bypassing traditional infrastructural limitations. Therefore, true digital inclusion is finally becoming a reality for millions of previously unconnected citizens. As telecommunications evolve, robust satellite connectivity will undoubtedly serve as the backbone for Africa’s future digital economy.

Mainstream & Tech Media References

• Connecting Africa: MTN Zambia, Starlink to offer direct-to-cell services https://www.connectingafrica.com/connectivity/mtn-zambia-starlink-to-offer-direct-to-cell-services

• MyBroadband: MTN announces Starlink launch plan https://mybroadband.co.za/news/wireless/632414-mtn-announces-starlink-launch-plan.html

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