Airtel Uganda is set to officially announce a new partnership with Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. The launch is expected to take place this Friday in Kampala and is aimed at improving internet and mobile network coverage across the country, especially in remote and underserved areas.
For many years, parts of Uganda have struggled with weak or unreliable network signals due to difficult terrain and high costs of building towers and fibre infrastructure. This partnership seeks to address that challenge by using satellite technology to extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional networks. The goal is to ensure more Ugandans can access communication services regardless of their location.
The agreement was signed last year between Airtel Africa, which operates in 14 countries, and SpaceX. Airtel Africa serves over 170 million customers and says the partnership is part of its wider plan to use new technology to improve service quality. In Uganda, Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites will help cover areas that currently experience limited or no network access.
A key part of the rollout is Direct-to-Cell technology. This allows standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without any additional equipment. The initial phase will support basic services such as text messaging and limited data use. Over time, Airtel plans to introduce faster internet speeds, voice calls, video calls, and other data services. Because the satellites operate closer to Earth, users are expected to experience lower delays and more stable connections.
The service will focus on hard-to-reach regions such as Karamoja, island communities on Lake Victoria, and other rural districts. Airtel says the system will also help during emergencies and periods of high network demand.
The Uganda Communications Commission is overseeing the process to ensure all regulatory requirements are met before full deployment. Many users and business owners have welcomed the development, saying improved connectivity could boost trade, education, and access to online services nationwide.
