Airtel and Starlink Launch Satellite Mobile Service in DRC

Airtel Africa and Starlink have officially launched a satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking the first commercial deployment of this technology in Africa. This service allows Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access connectivity in non-terrestrial areas where they can see the sky.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, boasts the world’s largest satellite-to-mobile constellation with 650 launched satellites, enabling users to utilize light-data applications such as WhatsApp and SMS without the need for specialized equipment or separate devices. Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, stated that this launch represents a significant milestone for the company and highlights the partnership with SpaceX.

He emphasized that combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology extends essential connectivity beyond traditional mobile infrastructure. The DRC is the first to experience this development, and the insights gained will facilitate the service's expansion across other markets, pending country-specific regulatory approvals.