Airtel Africa has commercially launched Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the first deployment of its kind on the continent.
The service, introduced in Kinshasa last Friday, allows Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to connect to Starlink satellites in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage. Users need only a clear view of the sky—no additional hardware or satellite terminals are required.
How the service works
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has deployed around 650 satellites for its direct-to-device constellation. The service currently supports light-data applications like WhatsApp messaging and SMS, with plans to expand functionality over time.
To access the service, customers must have an LTE Android smartphone and an active Airtel DRC data bundle or enabled data roaming. Apple device support is expected in the future. Airtel is offering a 30-day free trial through its MyAirtel app, after which access will be bundled with eligible data plans.
Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa’s CEO, said the partnership combines Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology to extend connectivity beyond conventional infrastructure. The DRC, one of Africa’s largest countries by land area, presents significant challenges for traditional network expansion due to its vast distances and difficult terrain.
Early test for satellite-to-mobile tech in Africa
The commercial rollout in the DRC follows a partnership announced in December 2025 and earlier testing in Kenya this March. Airtel said expansion into additional markets will depend on regulatory approvals in each country.
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Starlink’s direct-to-device approach differs from traditional satellite internet services, which typically require dedicated dishes or terminals. By connecting satellites directly to ordinary mobile phones, the technology could help operators reach customers in areas where building cell towers is impractical or uneconomical.
The service may prove particularly useful for mining companies, transport operators, humanitarian organizations, health workers, and agricultural communities in remote areas. It could also serve as an alternative communications channel during natural disasters or temporary outages of terrestrial networks.
While the DRC launch represents an early test, it offers a glimpse of how satellite-to-mobile technology might complement Africa’s existing mobile infrastructure. Airtel and Starlink are continuing to develop the service, with additional capabilities expected as the technology matures and more regulatory approvals are secured.
For now, the focus remains on proving the model’s viability in one of the continent’s most challenging environments. If successful, the partnership could set a precedent for how mobile operators address connectivity gaps in hard-to-reach areas across Africa.
Airtel’s move comes as other carriers explore similar satellite partnerships, though none have yet reached commercial deployment. The DRC’s unique geography—where dense urban centers sit alongside vast, sparsely populated regions—makes it a natural testing ground for technologies that bridge the digital divide.
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