Airtel Uganda has partnered with Starlink to launch the country's first satellite-to-mobile service. The service lets compatible smartphones send SMS and WhatsApp messages even in places with no mobile network signal. With this launch, Uganda becomes the second African country to offer the technology commercially, after the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The service was unveiled on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel in Kampala. ICT Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Director Nyombi Thembo attended.

How it works

Unlike Starlink's home internet service, this one doesn't need a satellite dish or any extra equipment. Your phone connects directly to Starlink satellites whenever it loses all ground network coverage. If your phone still has even one bar of normal signal, it keeps using the regular Airtel network.

For now, the service is limited to light data uses, mainly SMS and WhatsApp messaging.

Cost and how to get it

Airtel is offering a 30-day free trial through the MyAirtel app. After the trial ends, users need to buy a data bundle of at least UGX 2,000 to keep using the service. You'll also need a compatible smartphone.

Why it matters

Airtel Uganda CEO Soumendra Sahu said the service addresses long-standing coverage gaps. He explained that building traditional networks in remote areas is difficult because towers need power and fuel generators. "Where the road ends, our responsibility continues," he said.

Minister Lumumba called the launch a national milestone. She said it would bring full geographical coverage to remote communities, lakes, and mountains, and help boost tourism. She was especially pleased that coverage would reach the islands in Lake Victoria near Migingo, where she comes from. She also said the government is committed to policies that support innovation and a digitally connected Uganda.

UCC Director Thembo said the commission had licensed Starlink to provide satellite services and allowed it to share infrastructure with established operators. He added that national mobile operators are required by their licences to reach 90% geographical coverage, including islands, mountainous areas, and dense forests.

The service is expected to be useful to transport and logistics firms, humanitarian agencies, health workers, farmers, mining operations, and people living beyond the reach of mobile towers. It could also serve as a backup communication channel during emergencies, natural disasters, and network outages.

Part of a bigger rollout

The launch follows an agreement announced in December 2025 between Airtel Africa and SpaceX to bring Starlink's direct-to-cell service to Airtel's 14 African markets. The DRC was the first to go live, in August 2026.