The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has commenced a comprehensive technical assessment of Airtel’s application to deploy Starlink’s Direct‑to‑Cell satellite technology within the country. This evaluation aims to determine whether the system can operate safely alongside Kenya’s existing mobile networks without causing harmful interference.
Regulators are particularly focused on analyzing the potential overlap between satellite signals and terrestrial 3G, 4G, and 5G frequencies. The findings could set an influential global regulatory precedent for how mobile and satellite networks coexist as satellite‑to‑phone technologies rapidly advance worldwide.
During a media briefing in Nairobi last month, Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar confirmed the operator’s strategic intention to integrate Starlink’s Direct‑to‑Cell capability to strengthen its mobile internet market share in Kenya. According to Taldar, the next‑generation system is expected to deliver data speeds up to twenty times faster than earlier satellite‑to‑phone trials. Beyond raw speed, the technology is seen as a practical solution for bridging backhaul gaps, especially in remote regions where deploying fibre links to mobile towers is technically difficult or economically unfeasible.
Airtel’s collaboration with Starlink is part of a wider rollout plan across 14 African markets, where both parties have agreed to deploy Direct‑to‑Cell infrastructure. Unlike traditional satellite broadband solutions that rely on bulky terminals and specialized receivers, Direct‑to‑Cell enables standard LTE‑compatible smartphones to connect directly to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
However, this innovation has sparked significant regulatory concern. The CA is evaluating the potential spectrum interference risks, particularly because Kenyan operators, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya, depend on licensed terrestrial spectrum to deliver mobile services. Since Direct‑to‑Cell uses the same frequency bands for satellite‑to‑device communication, the system could, in theory, generate signal noise or unintentionally overpower local cell towers.
As part of its technical review, the CA is examining whether satellite signals will be strong enough to maintain stable connectivity while still respecting terrestrial power limits. The regulator must also determine whether satellite coverage can coexist within local spectrum management rules without degrading the experience of millions of mobile customers. This includes defining geographical restrictions, power thresholds, and coordination protocols for satellite transmissions over Kenyan territory.
Despite the concerns, Taldar has emphasized that the Direct‑to‑Cell service is intended to complement, not replace, existing ground networks.
The goal is to ensure our customers remain connected even when they move outside the range of a traditional tower.
The Communications Authority is expected to finalize its technical audit by mid‑2026. Should the system receive regulatory approval, Airtel plans a phased rollout, beginning with basic SMS and text messaging services, followed by a gradual expansion into higher‑speed mobile data offerings as the technology matures and infrastructure stabilizes.
