Uganda has taken a significant step toward expanding digital connectivity after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) granted Starlink a provisional operating licence, paving the way for the satellite internet provider’s entry into the country.
The development comes as Airtel Uganda begins testing Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (D2C) satellite technology, a solution that allows ordinary mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without requiring specialised hardware.
Together, the two developments signal growing momentum for low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology across Africa and highlight the increasing willingness of regulators and telecom operators to explore new approaches to closing connectivity gaps.
Expanding Connectivity Beyond Traditional Networks
Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, has rapidly expanded across Africa in recent years, offering broadband access in regions where fibre and mobile infrastructure remain limited.
The provisional licence granted by the UCC represents Starlink’s first formal regulatory approval in Uganda and positions the company to begin preparations for commercial operations in the country.
For Uganda, where internet access remains uneven outside major cities, satellite broadband could provide businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and households with faster and more reliable internet connectivity.
Airtel Explores Direct-to-Cell Technology
At the same time, Airtel Uganda is testing Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology, an emerging innovation designed to eliminate mobile coverage dead zones.
Unlike traditional satellite services that require dedicated terminals or receivers, Direct-to-Cell technology enables standard smartphones to communicate directly with satellites when terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable.
The technology has the potential to transform connectivity in remote communities, disaster-prone regions, and underserved rural areas where building mobile towers may be economically challenging.
A Growing Trend Across Africa
The Uganda developments reflect a broader shift taking place across the continent as governments and regulators increasingly engage with satellite connectivity providers.
Low-earth orbit satellite networks are gaining attention for their ability to complement existing telecommunications infrastructure and extend digital access to populations that remain underserved by conventional networks.
Partnerships between mobile operators and satellite providers could create hybrid connectivity models that combine terrestrial mobile services with space-based coverage, helping to accelerate digital inclusion across Africa.
While the UCC has not yet announced a timeline for a full operating licence, the combination of regulatory approval and ongoing Airtel trials suggests Uganda could become one of Africa’s early adopters of satellite-enabled mobile connectivity.
If successful, the collaboration between Starlink and Airtel may serve as a blueprint for other African markets seeking innovative solutions to persistent connectivity challenges.
As demand for reliable internet access continues to grow, satellite-cellular integration could play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy.
