DRC becomes the first African market with Airtel and Starlink satellite-to-mobile service
Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched a satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking the first commercial deployment of the technology in Africa.
The service will enable Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access mobile connectivity in areas without conventional network coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky. Customers will be able to send SMS messages and use selected light-data applications, including WhatsApp, without requiring specialised satellite equipment or a separate device.
The DRC is the first Airtel Africa market, and the first country in Africa, where Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile service has moved into commercial operation.
To access the service, customers need a compatible LTE Android smartphone and either an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled. Eligible customers can register through the MyAirtel App and receive free access for an introductory 30-day trial. After the trial, the service will be available through eligible Airtel data bundles. Support for Apple devices is expected to be added in the future.
The roll out follows a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025, as well as successful testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the deployment would help extend connectivity beyond the reach of conventional mobile infrastructure, with the DRC serving as the starting point for a potential wider rollout across Airtel Africa’s markets.
“By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional mobile infrastructure,” Taldar said.
The service is expected to benefit people and organisations operating in remote parts of the DRC, including transport and logistics operators, humanitarian organisations, health workers, farmers and mining companies. It could also provide an alternative communication channel during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks.
Airtel DRC Managing Director Theirry Diasnoma said the technology would help address connectivity gaps created by the country’s size and geography, allowing customers to remain reachable in areas where conventional mobile networks are unavailable.
Additionally, customers travelling to the DRC can also access the introductory trial after activating an eligible Airtel DRC service and registering through the MyAirtel App.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has about 650 satellites supporting its satellite-to-mobile constellation. Airtel Africa and Starlink said they are working on additional capabilities, with any expansion to other Airtel markets dependent on country-specific regulatory approvals.
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