Airtel and SpaceX test Direct-to-Cell NTN service in Madagascar

Airtel Madagascar has completed the country’s first Direct-to-Cell NTN trial using a standard 4G smartphone connected to SpaceX’s satellite network.

The trial took place on July 11 in Sadabe and included what Airtel described as Madagascar’s first WhatsApp call over a direct-to-cell satellite connection. The handset connected without specialised satellite equipment or additional terrestrial infrastructure.

Participants used the connection to send SMS and WhatsApp messages, make WhatsApp voice and video calls, and access services including YouTube and Facebook.

Direct-to-cell technology allows compatible mobile phones to communicate with satellites when terrestrial coverage is unavailable. Starlink Direct-to-Cell is designed to supplement Airtel’s mobile network by connecting compatible handsets to satellites outside its existing coverage areas.

The model differs from satellite backhaul, which uses a satellite link to connect a terrestrial base station to an operator’s wider network. Direct-to-cell connects the handset itself to the satellite network.

Airtel said Madagascar’s geography makes some remote areas difficult to serve using conventional mobile infrastructure.

The demonstration was attended by Madagascar’s minister of digital development, posts and telecommunications, officials from the Communications Technologies Regulatory Authority, known as ARTEC, and representatives from the National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management.

Airtel said the technology could help maintain communications during natural disasters or network outages. It could support contact between affected communities, government authorities, emergency services, and field teams when terrestrial systems are damaged or unavailable.

The International Telecommunication Union describes direct-to-device satellite systems as an additional connectivity layer for remote locations and emergency situations.

Airtel did not publish results showing how the service performed during congestion, infrastructure failure, poor weather, or other emergency conditions.

Airtel expands satellite trials across Africa

The Madagascar trial forms part of a wider partnership between SpaceX and Airtel Africa to introduce satellite connectivity across the operator’s markets. Airtel Madagascar is the first mobile operator in the country to test the service.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX announced a broader Direct-to-Cell partnership in December 2025. The agreement covers Airtel Africa’s 14 markets in sub-Saharan Africa, subject to regulatory approval in each country.

Madagascar follows an earlier Airtel Africa trial in Kenya. In March 2026, the operator reported successful Starlink Mobile data and messaging tests in Kenyan locations without terrestrial mobile coverage using standard compatible smartphones.

Airtel said findings from the Kenya trial would support preparations for deployment in its other markets.

The Direct-to-Cell programme extends an existing relationship between the companies. Airtel Africa and SpaceX announced an agreement in May 2025 to provide Starlink connectivity to businesses, schools, health facilities, and communities across Airtel’s markets.

The agreement also covered the possible use of Starlink for cellular backhaul in rural locations. Airtel said Starlink held operating licences in nine of its 14 markets at the time, with applications underway in the remaining five.

Airtel did not specify whether those licences also covered Direct-to-Cell services. The wider rollout remains subject to regulatory approval in each market.

Regulatory approval remains the next step

A commercial launch in Madagascar will depend on ARTEC completing its regulatory assessment. Airtel, SpaceX, and the regulator will continue evaluating potential use cases, operating requirements, and deployment conditions.

The ITU identifies spectrum management, policy frameworks, and coordination among governments, satellite operators, and mobile providers as regulatory considerations for direct-to-device services. ARTEC has not published the scope or timetable of its evaluation.

Commercial preparations will also need to establish supported devices and services, network integration requirements, and customer access arrangements.

Airtel and ARTEC have not disclosed pricing, billing arrangements, service availability, or a launch date for Madagascar.

“Being the first operator to test Direct-to-Cell in Madagascar reflects our ambition to ensure that the innovations transforming global telecommunications also benefit the Malagasy people,” Anne Catherine Tchokonté, managing director of Airtel Madagascar, said.

Airtel said further evaluation would examine how direct-to-cell connectivity could support public services, field operations, and economic activity beyond existing terrestrial coverage.

The company did not disclose download or upload speeds, latency, connection stability, satellite capacity, the number of simultaneous users, or handover performance between terrestrial and satellite coverage.

(Photo by Dinesh Kumar)

See also: Starlink’s mobile plans put Australia’s telcos on alert

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