Airtel Kenya’s push for long-term network and satellite licences faces another regulatory step. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is still reviewing the company’s applications before making a final decision.
The regulator opened Airtel’s applications for public submissions in an August 28 gazette notice. The consultation period runs until September 28, after which the CA can decide whether to approve the licences. The applications cover a Tier 1 Network Facilities Provider licence and an International Gateway Systems and Services licence. The first would allow Airtel to deploy communications infrastructure across the country.
The gateway licence, meanwhile, covers services that use satellite technology. Both permits are important to Airtel’s planned satellite-to-mobile service with SpaceX.
The development comes despite earlier comments that Airtel had secured a 25-year licence. Airtel managing director Djibril Tobe said in July that the company had received the permit after paying an undisclosed fee.
He also said Airtel was completing administrative steps for satellite approval. However, neither Airtel nor the regulator has explained the apparent difference between the two positions. Airtel has operated under a temporary two-year licence since late 2024. The arrangement followed a long dispute over its previous permit, which initially expired in 2015.
A 2022 out-of-court agreement extended the licence through 2025. However, the temporary permit remains valid until January 2027 as the regulatory process continues.
The latest review could also affect Airtel’s satellite ambitions. The company plans to roll out Starlink’s direct satellite-to-mobile service with SpaceX across its 14 African markets. Airtel completed pilot tests of the service in Kenya in May. However, the CA is reviewing the technology for possible interference with existing mobile networks.
The regulator must therefore complete its review before the service can receive approval for full commercial launch. Meanwhile, Safaricom already holds both the Tier 1 and gateway licences after recently announcing its own 25-year renewal.