Microsoft, Starlink Join Forces To Close Global Digital Divide With Orbital AI Access
Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) is accelerating its push to close the global digital divide, pairing a significant connectivity milestone with a new Starlink partnership to expand AI-ready access worldwide.
Microsoft Surpasses Connectivity Goal, Shifts To AI Adoption
Microsoft said it met — and surpassed — its 2022 commitment to expand internet access to 250 million people by the end of 2025, reporting that it has now extended connectivity coverage to more than 299 million people worldwide, including more than 124 million across Africa.
The company said it is now moving beyond basic coverage to focus on adoption and long-term participation in the AI economy.
Microsoft noted 2.2 billion people remain offline, while many others face barriers such as affordability and reliability, limiting their ability to benefit from AI-driven growth.
Citing its 2025 AI Diffusion Report, Microsoft said AI adoption is accelerating faster than any general-purpose technology in history but remains uneven, with more substantial uptake in the Global North than in the Global South.
In Zambia, for example, generative AI adoption stands at 12% nationwide, but climbs to 34% among people with internet access, underscoring the impact of connectivity.
Starlink Partnership Expands Rural Reach
Microsoft announced a collaboration with Starlink to integrate low-Earth-orbit satellite connectivity into its digital access efforts, targeting rural, agricultural and hard-to-reach communities through local partners.
In Kenya, Microsoft is working with Starlink and local ISP Mawingu Networks to connect 450 community hubs, including farmer cooperatives, aggregation centers and digital hubs.
The deployments combine satellite broadband with digital skills training, tools and ecosystem coordination to support productivity, market access and AI-enabled services.
Microsoft said it will continue developing a broader community-based model that pairs connectivity with reliable energy, affordable devices, digital skills and cloud and AI tools tailored to local needs.
Musk Expands Starlink As SpaceX Eyes Growth
Separately, Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX is cutting Starlink prices and offering free hardware to distribution partners to broaden its customer base, particularly in developing markets.
He said the move is not tied to Amazon's Kuiper launch and is aimed at making Starlink more affordable.
Starlink is also expanding its footprint. The company plans to roll out direct-to-cell connectivity in the European Union through a deal with Spain's MasOrange, starting trials in Valladolid.
It has also signed an agreement with Ukraine's Kyivstar following more than a year of direct-to-cell testing.
In aviation, United Airlines Holdings (NASDAQ:UAL) said it will expand Starlink onboard Wi-Fi to more than 300 aircraft under an extended agreement with SpaceX.
The expansion comes as SpaceX acquired Musk's AI startup xAI, valuing the combined entity at about $1.25 trillion, and prepares for a potential IPO reportedly targeted for June.
MSFT Price Action: Microsoft shares were up 0.90% at $387.92 at publication on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Photo: Shutterstock
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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