Airtel and Starlink Launch Mobile Service in DRC

Airtel Africa and Starlink have officially launched a satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), representing the first commercial deployment of Starlink Mobile in Africa. This innovative service enables 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, facilitating light-data applications such as WhatsApp messaging and SMS without the need for specialized equipment or separate devices. Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, stated that this launch is a significant milestone for the company through its partnership with SpaceX, as it combines Airtel's terrestrial network with Starlink's satellite technology to extend essential connectivity beyond conventional mobile infrastructure.

Taldar emphasized that the DRC is at the forefront of this development, and the experience gained will support the service's expansion across other markets, pending country-specific regulatory approvals.