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 enables 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.
According to Airtel Africa, Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile constellation currently consists of 650 launched satellites and supports basic data services, including WhatsApp messaging and SMS. Customers can access the service directly on compatible smartphones without requiring specialised equipment or additional devices.
The commercial rollout follows a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025, as well as successful tests of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, said the commercial deployment marks a significant milestone 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 integration of Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology would help extend connectivity to areas beyond the reach of conventional mobile infrastructure.
According to Taldar, the DRC launch will provide valuable experience to support the phased rollout of the service across Airtel Africa’s other markets, subject to regulatory approval in each country.
Airtel DRC Managing Director, Thierry Diasnoma, said the service would help tackle connectivity challenges linked to the country’s vast size and difficult geography.
He noted that many people in the DRC live, work and travel outside the reach of conventional mobile networks, making satellite connectivity an important additional layer for keeping customers connected in areas without terrestrial coverage.
The service is designed to extend connectivity to areas beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks. In the DRC, customers will need a compatible LTE-enabled Android smartphone and either an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming activated to access the service.
Airtel Africa said Apple devices will be supported as the service expands.
The satellite connectivity is expected to benefit individuals and organisations operating in remote locations, including transport and logistics firms, humanitarian groups, healthcare workers, farmers, mining operators and communities outside existing terrestrial network coverage.
It is also expected to serve as an additional communications channel during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial mobile networks.
