Airtel Africa, Starlink launch satellite-to-mobile service in DRC

Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched a satellite-to-mobile connectivity service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), making the country the first market in Africa to move the technology into commercial deployment

The service allows Airtel customers using compatible smartphones to stay connected in areas outside terrestrial network coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.

Starlink, which operates a satellite-to-mobile constellation with 650 launched satellites, supports light-data applications such as WhatsApp messaging and SMS. Users do not need specialised hardware or an additional device to access the service.

The commercial rollout follows a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025. It also builds on successful testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.

The DRC is the first Airtel Africa market, and the first country on the continent, where Starlink Mobile has moved from testing to commercial availability.

Customers seeking to use the service must have a compatible LTE Android smartphone, together with an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled. Support for Apple devices is planned for the future.

“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 deployment would help address connectivity challenges created by the country’s size and geography.

“The commercial launch of Starlink Mobile is an important step in extending essential connectivity across the DRC. Our country’s size and geography mean that many people live, work and travel beyond the reach of conventional mobile infrastructure. This service provides an additional layer of connectivity, helping customers remain reachable, informed and connected even in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable.”

Extending connectivity to remote areas

The satellite-to-mobile service is expected to provide an additional communications option for people and organisations operating in locations beyond the reach of conventional networks.

Potential users include transport and logistics operators, humanitarian organisations, healthcare workers, farmers, mining operations and communities in remote areas. The service could also provide communications support during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary interruptions to terrestrial networks.

Eligible Airtel customers can register through the MyAirtel App for a free 30-day introductory trial. Customers travelling to the DRC and joining Airtel DRC can also access the trial after activating an eligible service and downloading the application.

Once the introductory period ends, access to Starlink Mobile will continue through eligible Airtel data bundles.

Airtel Africa and Starlink are continuing to develop the service, with further capabilities expected as the technology advances and required regulatory approvals are obtained.

The deployment marks another step in Airtel Africa’s efforts to expand connectivity through new technologies and address coverage gaps across the continent, particularly in areas where conventional mobile infrastructure remains unavailable.