Vodacom Group has announced a new partnership with Starlink to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet access to various regions across Africa.
The collaboration, according to Vodacom, is a crucial step in bridging the digital divide and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, education and innovation across the continent.
Under the agreement, Vodacom will use Starlink’s satellite backhaul to expand its mobile network and improve service in remote areas. The project aims to connect schools, health centers, and communities that have long faced poor connectivity.
Additionally, Vodacom will be allowed to sell Starlink equipment and services to businesses of all sizes across Africa, with the flexibility to adjust the offering to local needs and affordability.
Vodacom said the move is part of its Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to reach 260 million customers and 120 million financial-services users within five years.
The company explained that combining satellite technology with its existing 4G, 5G, fibre, MPLS, microwave, and GEO satellite networks creates a reliable hybrid system with wider coverage.
It also added that Starlink’s high-performance internet is a strong addition to its range of services for customers.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Starlink, a move that accelerates our mission to connect every African to the internet. Low Earth orbit satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible, and this partnership will unlock new possibilities for the unconnected,” said Vodacom Group CEO, Shameel Joosub.
Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Operations at SpaceX, added that the partnership expands the reach of the company’s services on the continent.
“Starlink is already serving people, businesses, and organizations in 25 African countries. By collaborating with Vodacom, Starlink can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to even more customers, transforming lives and communities across the continent.”
The agreement could also open the door for similar collaboration between Vodacom-owned Safaricom and Starlink in Kenya, something that has been rumored since Starlink entered the market. For now, we will have to wait and see how things develop.
