MTN successfully tests Starlink Direct to Cell in Africa, first on the continent

The African satellite race is on as MTN Zambia makes history with the first successful Starlink Direct to Cell test, edging out Airtel Africa's planned rollout...

✨ Key Highlights

MTN Zambia has become the first African operator to successfully complete field testing of Starlink’s Direct to Cell service, a groundbreaking step towards eliminating dead zones across the continent. This pioneering test achieved the transmission of the country’s first-ever data session and fintech transaction using existing LTE/4G devices without specialized hardware.

The service will soon grant access to applications like WhatsApp voice and video calls, and the MoMo App in areas with no terrestrial service.
MTN Zambia plans a commercial rollout in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approval.
This achievement positions MTN Zambia ahead of competitors like Airtel Africa, which had also announced plans for Starlink integration.

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