Airtel Africa and Starlink, on Friday, launched satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking the first commercial deployment in Africa. The service enables Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access connectivity in non-terrestrial areas wherever they can see the sky.
Starlink, the world’s largest satellite-to-mobile constellation with 650 launched satellites, enables light-data apps, including WhatsApp messaging, as well as SMS. Customers do not require specialised equipment or a separate device to access the service.
The launch follows the strategic partnership announced by Airtel Africa and Starlink in December 2025 and the successful testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026. DRC is the first Airtel Africa market – and the first country in Africa – where the service has progressed to commercial deployment.
To use the service, customers must have a compatible LTE Android smartphone, an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming switched on. In the future, the service will also be supported on Apple devices.
Speaking on the launch, Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, commented: “The first-ever commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa through our partnership with SpaceX. By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional mobile infrastructure. The DRC is leading this important development, and the experience gained here will support the progressive expansion of the service across our markets, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals.”
Airtel DRC Managing Director, Theirry Diasnoma, said: “The commercial launch of Starlink Mobile is an…
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