This event represents an important step in Airtel Uganda's drive to use cutting-edge technology to reach underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is difficult to install. Soumendra Sahu, CEO and Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of this partnership. Today, we are excited to begin our long-awaited partnership with Starlink. «This marks the beginning of testing an advanced technology that extends the capabilities of smartphones to connect to the network via direct-to-cell satellite services», said Soumendra Sahu.
It's expected to be a game-changer for places like the Buvuma Islands and Murchison Falls National Park. By automatically connecting standard smartphones to satellites, the technology provides access to voice calls, text messages, and some data services without the need for hardware modifications.
The initiative is part of a broader agreement between Airtel Africa and SpaceX to deploy Starlink satellite communications in Airtel's 14 african markets, which serve more than 174 million customers. Using a constellation of more than 650 satellites that function as orbital cell towers, Airtel Uganda is positioning itself as one of the first mobile operators in Africa to test this 'Supplemental Coverage from Space' technology.
«At Airtel, we continue to use cutting-edge technologies not only to improve our network and services but also to solve real problems in the communities we serve», added Sahhu. With direct cellular services, low-income communities across Uganda will have uninterrupted connectivity, allowing them to stay connected to loved ones and access business and growth opportunities.
These trials complement Airtel Uganda's ongoing infrastructure investments, which recently included the addition of 258 new 4G facilities and the expansion of the 5G network to 364 facilities in major urban centres including Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Masaku, Lira, Fort Portal, Gulu and Mbarara.
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