MTN Zambia to Offer Starlink Internet for Improved Rural Network Coverage
In a significant move to expand high-speed internet access across Zambia, MTN Zambia has partnered with SpaceX's Starlink to become an official reseller of Starlink's satellite internet services. This collaboration aims to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural, peri-urban, and underserved areas, where traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
The partnership, announced by IT News Africa, aligns with MTN's broader vision of delivering a modern connected life for everyone. Abbad Reda, CEO of MTN Zambia, stated that this partnership demonstrates a commitment to bridging the digital divide in Zambia.
Customers can purchase and activate Starlink kits through selected MTN outlets or dedicated account managers. MTN will also provide installation services for Starlink, ensuring a seamless experience for its customers.
The partnership supports Zambia's digital transformation agenda, as mentioned earlier. Starlink's low-latency broadband will be offered to communities, businesses, and institutions, enhancing productivity and connectivity in these sectors.
This arrangement reflects a growing trend of African telecom operators partnering with satellite internet providers like Starlink to enhance rural internet access and close the digital divide in their countries. The collaboration is part of Starlink’s broader expansion strategy across Africa, having launched services in other countries earlier in 2025, such as Liberia and South Africa.
While no detailed financial terms or rollout timelines were provided in the referenced sources, the overall objective is clear: MTN Zambia, acting as an authorized distributor, will enable broader access to Starlink’s satellite internet services throughout Zambia, focusing on inclusivity and bridging connectivity gaps.
The partnership aims to extend connectivity to Zambia's most remote communities and expand high-speed internet access in rural and underserved areas. By leveraging satellite technology to supplement existing mobile networks, the partnership aims to enhance coverage and internet quality in areas that are challenging for fiber or cellular infrastructure alone.
In addition to offering Starlink Business packages for enterprises, NGOs, and government institutions, MTN will continue to offer these packages, ensuring that businesses and institutions in Zambia can benefit from Starlink's satellite internet services.
This partnership strengthens MTN's efforts to help extend high-speed internet access in rural and underserved areas of Zambia, contributing significantly to the country's digital transformation agenda.
[1] IT News Africa. (2025). MTN Zambia Partners with Starlink to Boost Internet Access in Rural Areas. [Online]. Available: https://www.itnewsafrica.com/2025/04/mtn-zambia-partners-with-starlink-to-boost-internet-access-in-rural-areas/
[2] SpaceX. (2025). Starlink Expands to Africa. [Online]. Available: https://www.spacex.com/starlink-africa
[3] World Bank. (2025). Zambia's Digital Transformation Agenda. [Online]. Available: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/zambia/publication/zambia-digital-transformation-agenda
[1] This partnership between MTN Zambia and Starlink, as stated by IT News Africa, emphasizes a commitment to merging environmental-science and technology, aiming to boost internet access in rural areas through space-and-astronomy advocacy.
[2] By offering Starlink's satellite internet services in Zambia, MTN Zambia's efforts are not only focused on bridging the digital divide but also on fostering advancements in environmental-science, as Starlink's low-latency broadband can contribute to data collection for various ecological studies.
