Vodacom-Starlink partnership expands connective options for African businesses

By Tarryn-Leigh Solomons

The new partnership between Vodacom group and Starlink could change how businesses across Africa stay connected, particularly those in remote or infrastructure-poor regions. But while the collaboration ops new doors for enterprise solutions, industry experts say it’s unlikely to close the consumer-level digital divide. 

Jens Langenhorst, founder of Specialised RF, believes the deal gives businesses an important alternative to traditional satellite services, but it won’t bring Starlink’s well-known consumer broadband packages to local markets. 

“Understand that this is for reselling enterprise and business packages. It does not address the consumer broadband services that Starlink is so famous for. It gives businesses, especially those operating in areas with limited connectivity, an alternative to traditional (Very Small Aperture Terminal) VSAT services and other (Low Earth Orbit) LEO providers like OneWeb,” Langenhorst explained.

Vodacom, one of Africa’s largest telecommunications companies, will resell Starlink equipment and services to enterprise and SME customers, while integrating Starlink’s satellite backhaul into its mobile network. The move aims to enhance high-speed, low-latency connectivity in areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains a challenge.

“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 Shameel Joosub, chief executive officer of Vodacom Group.

Vodacom’s new business-focused offerings will include pay-as-you-use backup internet, 100% unbreakable connectivity, Device-as-a-Service, and branch network pooling – services designed to support industries such as mining, agriculture, energy, tourism and financial services.

Langenhorst says uptake will depend largely on how competitively Vodacom prices its packages and the quality of service it provides. “The price point and customer service from Vodacom will ultimately determine the uptake. Businesses in South Africa have an additional choice, and the winner will be whoever delivers the most reliable service and best customer experience,” he added.

Chad Gibbs, vice president of Starlink Operations at SpaceX, said the collaboration will help expand Starlink’s reach even further: “Starlink is already serving people, businesses, and organisations 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.”

While the partnership is expected to strengthen enterprise connectivity across Africa, Langenhorst cautions that it will not resolve South Africa’s wider access issues. “The digital divide is at a consumer level, not enterprise level,” he said.