Airtel Africa’s Starlink Direct-to-Cell pilot in Kenya has proven the technology works on unmodified 4G handsets. The CA-Kenya audit shapes continental connectivity economics.
Browsing Tag
Rural Connectivity
3 posts
Africa’s Two Biggest Telcos Just Chose SpaceX: MTN Zambia First in Africa to Test Starlink Direct-to-Cell, Airtel Follows Across 14 Markets
MTN Zambia completed Africa’s first Starlink direct-to-cell field test on March 6 — transmitting a satellite data session and a MoMo fintech transaction using MTN’s own spectrum. Airtel Africa has now signed up 14 markets. The continent’s two largest operators chose integration over competition, and the implications for rural fintech access are significant.
Ethiopia’s Telecom Revenue Levy Will Fund Rural Connectivity. Here’s the Math.
Ethiopia telecom revenue levy 2026 — rural connectivity fund structure, revenue projections, and implications for Safaricom and Ethio Telecom.