Airtel Uganda has launched a satellite-to-mobile partnership with Starlink in a development aimed at extending mobile connectivity to areas that remain difficult to reach through conventional telecommunications infrastructure.
The partnership was launched in Uganda on September 24, 2026, with officials from the Uganda Communications Commission, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and Airtel Uganda attending the event.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said satellite-to-mobile technology could complement existing terrestrial networks and help address mobile coverage gaps in hard-to-reach parts of the country.
The technology is designed to allow compatible mobile phones to communicate with satellites without requiring users to install a satellite dish or carry a separate satellite communication device. This creates the possibility of extending basic connectivity to locations where building traditional mobile towers may be difficult or expensive.
The development follows Uganda’s increasing engagement with satellite communication technology. UCC signed an operational licence agreement with Starlink in May 2026, allowing the satellite company to operate under Uganda’s regulatory framework.
Under the regulatory arrangement, Starlink is required to establish a national gateway and maintain a physical presence in Uganda, including an office staffed with relevant technical and legal personnel.
Airtel Uganda has also been testing Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology in Murchison Falls National Park. The pilot programme began in July and was scheduled to run until September 30. The tests have provided an opportunity to examine how satellite connectivity can complement conventional mobile networks in locations where terrestrial coverage is challenging.
The partnership could have implications for communities in remote areas, tourism operators, travellers and emergency services. In places where conventional mobile infrastructure is limited, satellite connectivity may provide another route for accessing communication services.
However, the rollout remains subject to Uganda’s telecommunications regulations. UCC said it would continue monitoring the service to ensure compliance with licensing requirements, service-quality standards and consumer-protection rules.
The regulator has previously clarified that satellite capacity can be used through licensed telecommunications operators rather than allowing satellite providers to bypass Uganda’s established regulatory framework.
For ordinary consumers, the technology represents a potentially important change in how mobile networks can be extended. Instead of relying entirely on a network of terrestrial towers, operators can increasingly combine ground-based infrastructure with satellites.
Airtel Uganda’s partnership with Starlink therefore comes at a time when governments and telecommunications companies are exploring new approaches to closing digital access gaps. Uganda’s geography includes remote communities, protected areas and locations where infrastructure development can be challenging.
The launch does not mean that all areas of Uganda will immediately receive satellite-to-mobile coverage. Service availability, compatible devices, regulatory approvals and technical performance will determine how quickly the technology reaches different parts of the country.
UCC said it would monitor the rollout to uphold standards of reliability and consumer protection. The regulator also welcomed the use of satellite technology as part of broader efforts to expand access to communications services.
The partnership is expected to attract interest from businesses and consumers watching the development of mobile technology in Uganda. As testing and rollout continue, users will be looking closely at coverage, device compatibility, pricing and the practical benefits of satellite-to-mobile connectivity.