Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – August 17, 2026: Airtel Africa has partnered with Starlink to commercially launch satellite-to-mobile connectivity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking the first commercial deployment of Starlink Mobile in Africa.
The service enables Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access mobile connectivity in areas beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial networks, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, currently has the world’s largest satellite-to-mobile constellation, with 650 satellites launched. The technology enables customers to use light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging, as well as SMS, without requiring specialised equipment or a separate satellite device.
CONNECTIVITY BEYOND TERRESTRIAL NETWORKS
The launch follows the strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025 and 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 in Africa where Starlink Mobile has progressed to commercial deployment.
Initially, the service is available to customers using compatible LTE Android smartphones, with an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming switched on. Support for Apple devices is expected to be introduced in the future.
Commenting on the milestone, Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the launch represents a significant development in the company’s partnership with SpaceX.
“By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of mobile infrastructure.”
Taldar said the experience gained in the DRC would support the progressive expansion of the service across Airtel Africa’s markets, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals.
He also acknowledged the support of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and New ICT and the country’s telecommunications regulator.
SUPPORTING REMOTE COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES
Airtel DRC Managing Director Theirry Diasnoma said the service would play an important role in addressing connectivity challenges arising from the DRC’s vast size and geography.
Many people living, working and travelling in remote parts of the country remain beyond the reach of conventional mobile infrastructure.
Starlink Mobile is expected to provide an additional layer of connectivity for:
- Transport and logistics operators
- Humanitarian organisations
- Health workers
- Farmers
- Mining operations
- Remote communities
- Organisations operating in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage
The technology could also prove particularly valuable during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial telecommunications networks.
30-DAY FREE TRIAL
Eligible Airtel DRC customers can register through the MyAirtel App to access a free introductory trial for 30 days.
Customers travelling to the DRC and joining Airtel DRC can also register for the trial after activating an eligible service and downloading the MyAirtel App.
Following the introductory period, customers will continue to access Starlink Mobile through eligible Airtel data bundles.
EXPANSION ACROSS AFRICA
Airtel Africa and Starlink are continuing to develop the service, with additional capabilities expected as the technology evolves and regulatory approvals are secured in individual markets.
The commercial launch in the DRC represents an important milestone in Africa’s telecommunications sector, demonstrating how satellite technology can complement traditional mobile networks and extend digital connectivity to previously underserved areas.
For Airtel Africa, the initiative further reinforces its position as an operator focused on deploying innovative technologies to expand connectivity and advance digital inclusion across the continent.
With operations across 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and more than 183.5 million customers, Airtel Africa provides mobile voice, data and mobile money services, with a strategy focused on improving customer experience and expanding digital and financial inclusion.
Source: Airtel Africa plc
Keep following the Kitomari Banking & Finance Blog for the latest news, insights and developments in banking, finance, telecommunications and business across Tanzania and Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment