Airtel Uganda and Starlink Set to Announce Partnership for Enhanced Network Coverage
Kampala, January 8, 2026 – A major development in Uganda’s telecommunications sector is set for unveiling this Friday as Airtel Uganda announces a strategic partnership with Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink.
The partnership, to be launched at an event at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, aims to leverage Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellite technology to significantly improve mobile network coverage and reliability across the country. The focus will be on extending services to remote, hard-to-reach, and underserved areas where laying fibre optic cables or building traditional cell masts is challenging or cost-prohibitive.
Starlink’s technology, which utilizes a constellation of thousands of satellites orbiting close to Earth, promises faster internet speeds and lower latency compared to conventional satellite systems. This makes it particularly suited for providing connectivity to rural communities, islands, border regions, and for serving as a critical backup when terrestrial networks are disrupted.
The announcement comes amidst an ongoing regulatory process. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) confirmed that the licensing procedure for Starlink Global Internet Services Ltd. is still underway. UCC Executive Director Nyombi Tembo emphasized the commission’s commitment to a fair regulatory framework, stating, “We appreciate Starlink’s recent efforts in deactivating illegal terminals as we maintain our engagement.”
This follows an incident where Starlink switched off its service in Uganda on January 1, 2026, after UCC raised concerns about unlicensed satellite terminals operating in the country. Tembo reiterated that while Uganda is open to new technologies, all operators must comply with national laws.
For Airtel Uganda customers, the collaboration is expected to translate into greater network stability, expanded coverage in rural areas, and more resilient services during peak usage or emergencies. The partnership marks a significant step in bridging the digital divide and enhancing connectivity infrastructure in Uganda.
The official launch event on Friday will provide further details on the scope and implementation timeline of the Airtel-Starlink initiative.
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