Madagascar is the third country in Airtel Africa’s footprint to test its direct-to-mobile satellite service.communications)
Following successful trials in Kenya andUganda, pan-African telecommunications operator Airtel Africa has successfully tested direct satellite-to-mobile technology in Madagascar.
Led by Airtel Madagascar in collaboration with SpaceX, the trial allows 4G smartphones to connect directly to satellites when they are outside the reach of conventional mobile network coverage.
According to Madagascar’s Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications, Mahefa Andriamampiadana, the trial marks a significant step in the field of technological innovation and the development of digital integration in the country.
Andeiamampiadana added that the trial successfully enabled Madagascar’s first WhatsApp video call using this technology.
It also demonstrated messaging, voice and video calling capabilities, as well as access to digital platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
Madagascar’s Regulatory Authority for Communication Technologies (ARTEC) said these trials are part of a cooperation agreement signed in December 2025 between Airtel Africa and SpaceX for the deployment of the “Starlink Direct to Cell” solution.
ARTEC added that this technology is an important solution for strengthening connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach areas, and it can help maintain communication during emergencies or after natural disasters that can damage common infrastructure.
“The government supports the innovation and is open to all technologies that can accelerate the digital integration for all Malagasy people. Our goal is to ensure that citizens have greater access to digital services, in compliance with the legal system, digital sovereignty and security measures,” Andeiamampiadana explained.
African telcos connecting underserved communities
The partnership comes as telcos and satellite operators are expanding Internet connectivity to enhance existing infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
In November 2025,Vodacom Group and Starlink partneredto deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband Internet to businesses across Africa.
The Zanzibar Communication Corporation (ZICTIA) and Airtel Tanzania in August 2025signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen digital infrastructureand connectivity across Zanzibar.
Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group also in August 2025 announceda strategic infrastructure sharing agreementcovering Mozambique, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In the same month, its Congolese subsidiary, Airtel Congo, partnered with Wing Wah todeploy a private telecom networkat the Banga Kayo oil field in Kouilou in Congo-Brazzaville.
In May 2025,Airtel Africa partnered with SpaceXto deliver high-speed Internet through Starlink across its African markets.
In March 2025, MTN South Africa and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider Lynk Global carried out a successful technical trial of what they claimed wasAfrica’s first direct satellite-to-mobile device phone call.
Also in March 2025, Airtel Africaagreed to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeriawith MTN Group.
