Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched satellite-to-mobile connectivity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking the first commercial deployment of the service in Africa.
The service allows Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access mobile connectivity in areas without conventional terrestrial network coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
Airtel Africa said Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile constellation currently has 650 launched satellites and supports light data services, including WhatsApp messaging and SMS. Customers do not need specialised equipment or a separate device.
The commercial launch follows the strategic partnership announced by Airtel Africa and Starlink in December 2025, as well as testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
Airtel Africa chief executive Sunil Taldar said the DRC deployment was an important step in the company’s partnership with SpaceX.
“The first-ever commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa through our partnership with SpaceX,” Taldar said.
He said the company expects the deployment to support the progressive expansion of the service across other Airtel Africa markets, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals.
Airtel DRC managing director Theirry Diasnoma said the service would help address coverage challenges created by the country’s size and geography.
Customers in the DRC will need a compatible LTE Android smartphone and either an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled. Airtel Africa said support for Apple devices will be introduced as the service expands.
The company said the service could assist people and organisations operating in remote areas, including transport and logistics companies, humanitarian organisations, health workers, farmers, mining operations and communities outside existing terrestrial coverage. It could also provide an additional communications channel during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary network disruptions.
