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title: MTN Zambia partners with Starlink to offer D2C services - Developing Telecoms
description: MTN Zambia announced on Friday it has formed a strategic partnership with LEO satellite operator Starlink to offer its Direct to Cell (D2C) service in the country after a successful field test of the technology.
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date: 2026-03-09T05:16:43Z
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MTN Zambia announced on Friday it has formed a strategic partnership with LEO satellite operator Starlink to offer its Direct to Cell (D2C) service in the country after a successful field test of the technology.

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter), MTN Zambia said the test involved the transmission of the first-ever data session and fintech transaction in Zambia using Starlink’s network and MTN Zambia’s terrestrial mobile spectrum.

MTN Zambia said the field test paves the way towards full D2C commercial service, which would enable its 4G customers to use their existing devices to access data, voice and video even when they are out of range of terrestrial mobile coverage.

“This service will include WhatsApp voice and video calls, along with access to the MoMo App, MyMTN App, navigation and weather applications with more launching in the future,” MTN Zambia said.

The telco added that while it aims to commercially launch D2C service "in the coming weeks", the timing will depend on regulatory approval from Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA).

MTN Zambia added that it has had “unwavering support” from ZICTA and the Ministry of Technology and Science for the D2C tests with Starlink so far.

Starlink has had a licence to offer satellite broadband internet services in Zambia since [June 2023](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/satellite-communications-networks/15097-starlink-bags-licence-in-zambia.html).

Airtel Africa [announced plans in December 2025](https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/satellite-communications-networks/19505-airtel-africa-to-launch-starlinks-d2c-service-in-14-markets-next-year.html) to launch Starlink’s D2C in all of its 14 markets – including Zambia – sometime this year.

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