The EastAfrican reported that MTN Group is holding talks with the SpaceX-owned satellite internet provider to enhance last-mile connectivity services in Uganda and Zambia.

MTN Uganda is exploring a potential partnership with Starlink as the telecom operator looks to strengthen connectivity in underserved parts of Uganda following the satellite provider’s recent approval to operate in the country.

The discussions come after Uganda formally granted Starlink an operational license earlier this month, ending months of regulatory negotiations and paving the way for the satellite internet company’s entry into the East African market.

According to reports, MTN Uganda chairman Charles Mbire said the company views Starlink as a potential collaborator rather than solely a competitor, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach regions where traditional telecom infrastructure remains costly to deploy.

Mbire noted that satellite connectivity could help MTN fulfil nationwide coverage obligations in remote areas such as islands on Lake Victoria and other regions where low population density and infrastructure challenges make terrestrial network expansion economically difficult.

Industry observers say a partnership model could allow MTN to integrate Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite capabilities into its existing network infrastructure, potentially enabling broader internet access without requiring consumers to purchase standalone Starlink hardware. The approach mirrors a similar agreement announced earlier this year between MTN Zambia and Starlink for direct-to-cell connectivity services.

The development also comes amid increasing competition in Uganda’s telecom sector. Rival operator Airtel Uganda recently confirmed that it had begun testing Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service following regulatory approval.

Ugandan authorities have imposed several conditions on Starlink’s operations, including establishing a national internet gateway, maintaining a physical office in the country, and complying with local tax and data regulations. President Yoweri Museveni said the requirements are intended to ensure security oversight, accountability, and regulatory compliance as the company launches services in Uganda.

Starlink’s arrival is expected to intensify competition in Uganda’s internet market, where consumers have long complained about high costs and unreliable connectivity. Analysts believe satellite partnerships could help telecom operators extend coverage to remote communities while accelerating digital inclusion efforts across the country.