MTN Zambia becomes first African operator on Starlink’s direct-to-cell service

MTN Zambia has achieved a milestone, becoming the first African operator to complete field testing of Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service. This follows a partnership with the Elon Musk-owned satellite internet provider. 

According to a disclosure made by MTN Zambia on Friday evening, the testing was carried out using the combination of MTN Zambia’s spectrum and Starlink’s satellite constellation. The service was used for the transmission of the first-ever data session and a fintech transaction.

For the operator, the partnership opens doors to utilising advanced network services and reaching more people in remote areas. 

Beyond these locations where terrestrial services are unavailable, the services allow every one of its subscribers to access quality services across the internet, voice and video experience. 

“Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connectivity means MTN Zambia will expand coverage to the most remote areas, such as the game parks and rural areas surrounded by water bodies and rivers will be covered,” it said in the statement.

The partnership comes at a time when seamless and constant connectivity offering becomes pivotal to both individuals and business owners. For its over 7 million subscribers, MTN Zambia is banking on Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellite connectivity to improve users’ online experience. 

MTN Zambia will aim to take on rivals such as Airtel Zambia by offering a reliable network. Also, the development complements its 5G services, which it recently launched in Zambia’s major cities, including Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola. 

Following the successful testing of Starlink’s Direct to Cell service, the operator aims to secure regulatory approval for full launch. It’s also in the race to become the first African telco to launch the service.

“These milestones pave a path forward to commercial service in the coming weeks, subject to regulatory approval,” MTN Zambia said in the statement. 

Also Read: Airtel to expand coverage in Nigeria with Starlink Direct-to-Cell deal.

Why MTN Zambia, others are exploring the “Direct to Cell” service

For telcos, investing in Direct to Cell services is a strategy to eliminate “dead zones,” expand coverage to remote areas without expensive infrastructure, and secure a competitive advantage over rivals. 

The service offers significant reach. It allows standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, offering services like SMS, voice, and data in previously unreachable locations. 

Starlink’s Direct to Cell works with existing LTE/4G/5G-compatible devices anywhere there is sky, enabling network integration similar to a standard roaming partner. It acts like a cellphone tower in space, embodied with an advanced array of antennas that leverages Starlink’s network. 

MTN Zambia is not the only African operator in this game. 

AXIAN Telecom, on Tuesday, partnered with AST SpaceMobile to launch direct-to-device space-based broadband, enabling 4G/5G voice and data directly to standard mobile phones.

Also, Airtel Africa is in partnership with Starlink to roll out Direct to Cell satellite connectivity in 2026 across 14 markets, including Nigeria. 

The move signifies a new era in Africa where telco, through Direct to Cell, aims to close the connectivity gap by allowing devices to connect to satellite networks where traditional towers can’t reach.

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