Direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity is emerging as the next battleground for satellite companies targeting Africa, as the race to connect the continent’s most underserved communities gathers pace.
While the technology promises to overcome traditional infrastructure limitations by linking standard smartphones directly to satellites, its success will depend on regulatory hurdles, affordability and competition from local operators.
According to the GSMA Intelligence Satellite and NTN tracker, Q3 2026, sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest share of mobile operators with satellite partnerships globally, at 13%, compared with the worldwide average of 19%. However, commercial D2D deployments are beginning to take shape.
Presenting the report this week, Tim Hatt, head of research and consulting at GSMA Intelligence, outlined a possible timeline for the wider rollout of these services.
“We expect broad-based coverage across most of the world towards the end of this decade, so sort of 2028, 2029, depending on the provider, and that would include Africa,” he said.
Airtel Africa became the first operator on the continent to commercially launch Starlink Mobile in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August, signalling a shift towards next-generation mobile-to-satellite connectivity.
Unlike traditional satellite broadband, which requires a physical dish and ground terminal, D2D technology effectively turns low Earth orbit satellites into space-based cell towers, allowing standard, unmodified LTE smartphones to connect directly to the network.
However, D2D services do not initially offer the same experience as conventional high-speed broadband.
Early deployments are technically limited to basic applications, such as SMS and WhatsApp text messaging, while full web browsing and more advanced features depend on the provider’s technology.
Although basic services are already available, wider regional rollouts will depend heavily on regulatory approvals and national licensing frameworks.
In Senegal, Starlink’s fixed satellite internet licence was provisionally suspended following a challenge by dominant telecoms operator Sonatel over the authorisation framework.
Although the case involved traditional dish-based broadband, it highlights a broader issue that could affect D2D operators across the continent: the tension between governments’ connectivity ambitions and national telecommunications sovereignty.
Senegal had initially sought to use satellite connectivity to connect one million citizens.
However, the case illustrates the regulatory challenges facing foreign technology providers operating in markets where established telecoms operators are subject to domestic licensing and tax requirements.
The opportunity for D2D extends beyond connecting underserved communities.
Reliable direct-to-device connectivity could help businesses and individuals maintain critical communications in remote areas and provide a backup where terrestrial networks are limited or unavailable.
Share