First In Africa: MTN Zambia Tests Starlink Direct-To-Cell

In addition to announcing that MTN Zambia is the first African operator to successfully finish field testing of Starlink’s Direct to Cell service, MTN Zambia and Starlink have formed a strategic relationship.

The study, carried out in collaboration with SpaceX, represents a significant turning point in the continent’s satellite-to-phone communication.

This included using Starlink’s satellite constellation and MTN Zambia’s spectrum to transmit the nation’s first-ever data session and fintech transaction. Subject to regulatory approval, these milestones open the door to commercial service in the upcoming weeks.

Even in the most remote locations where terrestrial connectivity is currently unavailable, this service will allow users to access data, audio, and video through compatible applications. Along with access to the MoMo App, MyMTN App, navigation, and weather apps, this service will include WhatsApp phone and video conversations. More apps will be released in the future.

Starlink Direct to Cell enables seamless access in some of the most remote locales by working with current LTE/4G-compatible devices anywhere there is a clear view of the sky. With the world’s most sophisticated phased array antennas linking smoothly across the Starlink network via lasers to any location on Earth, Starlink Direct to Cell satellites function as a mobile tower in space, allowing network integration akin to that of a typical roaming partner.

With Starlink Direct to Cell satellite access, MTN Zambia will be able to reach even the most isolated locations, including game parks and rural areas with rivers and bodies of water.

The company said, “We would like to acknowledge the unwavering support from the Ministry of Technology and Science and our regulator, the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), for the guidance throughout this process.”

Subject to final regulatory permission from the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), the service availability is said to be a commercial launch, which is anticipated in the upcoming weeks.

The targeted areas are the remote places without access to typical terrestrial coverage, such as game parks and rural areas encircled by bodies of water.

The test milestones signifies the 

• First Satellite Data Session: Without the need for conventional ground towers, a data session was successfully transferred using Starlink’s satellite constellation and MTN’s current spectrum.
• First Satellite Fintech Transaction: Completed a mobile money (MoMo) transaction using just satellite technology.
• No Specialised Hardware: All that is needed for the service to function is a good view of the sky and normal LTE/4G-compatible smartphones.

The impact on the strategy is that of regional competition; with this accomplishment, MTN Zambia is ahead of competitors such as Airtel Africa, who had earlier announced a cooperation to launch comparable services in 14 markets later in 2026. The technology synergy shows that in large towns like Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola, the satellite service will supplement MTN’s recently introduced 5G network.