Airtel Africa has commercially launched Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the first such deployment on the continent. The service, which went live on 14 August 2026, allows eligible Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
No specialised equipment or separate satellite dish is required. At launch the service supports light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging and SMS, delivered via Starlink’s constellation of approximately 650 satellites designed for direct-to-device connectivity. Users need a compatible LTE Android smartphone and an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled. Eligible customers can register through the MyAirtel app for a free 30-day trial. Support for Apple devices is expected later.
The DRC deployment follows a strategic partnership announced by Airtel Africa and Starlink in December 2025 and successful testing of the technology in Kenya in March 2026. Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar described the launch as a significant milestone, noting that combining the operator’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite capability extends essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional infrastructure. Experience gained in the DRC is expected to inform progressive expansion to other Airtel Africa markets, subject to local regulatory approvals.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s size and geography make comprehensive terrestrial coverage particularly challenging and costly. Large parts of the country remain outside the reach of traditional mobile networks. Airtel DRC Managing Director Thierry Diasnoma said the service provides an additional layer of connectivity for people living, working or travelling beyond existing infrastructure, including communities, logistics operators, humanitarian organisations and mining operations.
Direct-to-device satellite services represent a shift from earlier satellite internet models that required dedicated terminals. While current capabilities are limited to basic messaging rather than high-speed broadband or full mobile data, the commercial availability of the service on ordinary smartphones is a notable step for African markets where coverage gaps remain significant.
Regulatory clearance was a prerequisite. Starlink DRC SA received a telecommunications licence from the Congolese regulator in 2025, enabling the partnership to move from pilot to commercial operation. Other African operators have conducted similar tests with alternative satellite providers, but Airtel’s DRC launch is the first to reach full commercial status on the continent.
The practical impact will depend on device compatibility, service reliability under real-world conditions, pricing after the introductory period, and how quickly the technology evolves to support richer data applications. For now, the launch gives Airtel customers in the DRC a new option for staying reachable in places where traditional networks stop.
