Airtel and Starlink satellite-to-phone service under scrutiny in Kenya

The Communications Regulator of Kenya (CA) has launched a review into Airtel’s proposed link-up with Starlink’s direct-to-cell deal. The regulator wants to assess the impact of the deal’s interference with mobile phone networks.

Kenya becomes the first African country to review the impact of the link-up with Starlink’s direct-to-cell service even as it continues to enjoy consideration from several other African telcos.

According to the Communications Regulator, the development is to protect local networks and discuss if satellite mobile coverage can co-exist within terrestrial spectrum rules without degrading existing 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.

Recall that Airtel partnered with SpaceX to launch Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service across its 14 African markets. The initiative aims to improve internet access and allows Starlink’s satellites to connect directly with mobile phones through local networks.

Beyond improving network quality, the direct-to-cell service expands coverage to remote areas where cell towers are of low quality

Airtel’s direct-to-cell hurdle 

Airtel Kenya is already seeking regulatory approval to deploy the satellite-to-phone network. With this, the CA wants to ascertain that the signals from Low Earth Orbit satellites will not disrupt cellular infrastructure.

The review will focus on signal power levels, spectrum use, and its compatibility with Kenya’s existing telecoms framework.

While Kenya’s mobile networks rely on cell towers operating across licensed spectrum bands allocated by the CA, satellite-to-phone connectivity introduces transmissions from space into spectrum primarily reserved for terrestrial networks.

The regulator will stipulate technical limits that allow satellite connectivity while also protecting the performance of existing cellular infrastructure.

While satellite service is a development that fills the coverage gap mobile networks struggle to bridge, authorities are concerned that the initiative could be suppressing the output of terrestrial networks. Satellite connectivity will, however, operate as supplemental coverage rather than a substitute for terrestrial networks.

However, the regulator will enforce a policy where direct satellite connectivity will remain integrated with mobile network operators rather than operating independently. In this case, the regulator will have complete oversight of spectrum coordination between satellite and terrestrial services.

For now, the deal is feasible for both Starlink and Airtel across its 14 African markets. 

Airtel Africa has confirmed that the initial service phase will support internet-based messaging and voice applications such as WhatsApp. Thereafter, full voice calling and SMS services through satellite connectivity will be deployed in 2028 using next-generation satellites with improved capacity.

MTN Zambia took the satellite-to-phone initiative a step further last Friday, when it became the first African operator to complete field testing of Starlink’s service. This follows a partnership with the Elon Musk-owned satellite internet provider. 

The testing was carried out using the combination of MTN Zambia’s spectrum and Starlink’s satellite constellation, while the service was used for the transmission of the first-ever data session and a fintech transaction.

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