Uganda has taken a major step towards satellite-powered mobile connectivity after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) granted Starlink a provisional operating licence while Airtel Uganda began testing the company’s direct-to-cell satellite service.

The move places Uganda among a growing list of African countries opening their telecom markets to low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite providers as governments and operators search for faster ways to close connectivity gaps in underserved regions.

Airtel begins testing direct-to-cell technology

Alongside Starlink’s provisional approval, Airtel Uganda has started trials of Starlink’s direct-to-cell (D2C) technology, a system that allows standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without requiring specialised hardware or satellite dishes.

The technology is expected to improve mobile coverage in remote and rural communities where telecom towers are difficult or expensive to deploy. Instead of relying entirely on terrestrial infrastructure, mobile operators can use satellite connectivity to extend service into areas with weak or no network access.

For telecom operators, the model could reduce the cost of expanding network coverage while improving service reliability in hard-to-reach locations.

Airtel’s involvement also reflects a broader shift in the telecom industry, where traditional operators are increasingly exploring partnerships with satellite internet providers rather than viewing them solely as competitors.

Uganda joins Africa’s growing Starlink expansion

Starlink has continued expanding across Africa over the past few years, targeting markets where internet penetration remains uneven and broadband infrastructure is still developing.

The provisional licence marks the company’s first formal regulatory approval in Uganda, although the UCC has not yet announced when a full commercial licence could be issued or the operational conditions attached to the temporary approval.

Across Africa, regulators are showing increased interest in satellite broadband services as fibre rollouts and traditional mobile infrastructure struggle to meet connectivity demands outside major urban centres.

Countries with large rural populations and difficult terrain have become particularly attractive markets for satellite operators because LEO satellite systems can deliver internet access without requiring extensive ground infrastructure.


What this means for Uganda’s connectivity landscape

For Uganda, the combination of a Starlink licence and Airtel’s D2C trial could position the country as an early testing ground for hybrid satellite-cellular connectivity models in East Africa.

If commercial deployment moves forward, the technology could improve broadband access for schools, businesses, healthcare providers, and households in areas where reliable internet remains limited.

The development also highlights how satellite connectivity is becoming a more central part of Africa’s digital infrastructure strategy, especially as demand grows for online education, fintech services, cloud platforms, and digital commerce across the continent.

While questions remain around pricing, regulation, and long-term scalability, Uganda’s latest move signals that satellite-powered mobile connectivity is beginning to shift from experimental trials to mainstream telecom deployment in Africa.