MTN Zambia has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first mobile network operator in Africa to successfully conduct field tests of Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service. This innovative technology harnesses low-Earth-orbit satellites, transforming them into what SpaceX describes as “cell towers in space.” The collaboration between MTN Zambia and Starlink marks a pivotal step toward closing the digital divide in one of the world’s most underserved regions.
During the tests, Zambia witnessed the transmission of its inaugural satellite data session, utilising MTN’s spectrum alongside Starlink’s satellite constellation. Remarkably, this endeavour also facilitated the nation’s first fintech transaction conducted via satellite. The transaction was made possible through MTN’s MoMo mobile money platform, demonstrating the technology’s ability to extend financial services to areas without terrestrial infrastructure.
One of the defining features of Starlink’s Direct to Cell service is its accessibility. Unlike traditional satellite internet, which often requires specialised hardware, Starlink enables any existing LTE- or 4G-compatible smartphone to connect without new devices, applications, or firmware updates. The satellites employ advanced phased-array antennas to communicate directly with mobile phones, using laser intersatellite links to ensure coverage in locations with a clear view of the sky.
For MTN Zambia, the implications of this service are extensive. It promises to deliver voice, data, and video access through supported applications, including WhatsApp calls, to remote areas that currently lack ground-based network coverage, such as national game parks, rural farming communities, and regions near rivers or other water bodies where building tower infrastructure is economically or logistically unfeasible.
MTN Zambia’s achievement is part of a broader competition to reshape Africa’s telecommunications sector. In December 2025, competitor Airtel Africa announced its partnership with SpaceX to launch Starlink Direct to Cell services across its 14 African markets, which together serve around 174 million customers. However, Airtel’s service is slated to begin in 2026, initially offering text messaging and limited data for select applications, allowing MTN Zambia to lead the way in this emerging technology.
The significance of MTN Zambia’s milestone extends to mobile money services. Zambia, reflective of much of sub-Saharan Africa, has a substantial unbanked population, particularly in rural areas. Platforms like MoMo serve as critical financial lifelines. The successful execution of satellite-based fintech transactions indicates that MTN’s MoMo App, along with an expanding array of financial services, could soon be available to communities historically excluded from the digital economy.
MTN Zambia has expressed gratitude to Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science and the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) for their support throughout the testing phase. As the company prepares for commercial launch—pending regulatory approval—it aims to empower previously unconnected regions with essential digital services.
