Airtel Africa becomes the first operator in Africa to commercially launch Starlink Mobile in DRC

KINSHASA: A satellite-to-mobile service has been commercially launched in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), allowing customers with compatible smartphones to access basic connectivity in areas beyond the reach of conventional mobile networks.

The service, launched through a partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink, is the first commercial deployment of Starlink Mobile in Africa. It allows users to access light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging, as well as SMS, without requiring specialised equipment or a separate device.

The launch follows a partnership announced by the two companies in December 2025 and successful testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March this year. The DRC is the first Airtel Africa market where the service has moved to commercial deployment.

Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the service would extend connectivity to areas that remain outside the reach of terrestrial mobile infrastructure.

“By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of mobile infrastructure,” Taldar said, while acknowledging support from the DRC government and telecommunications regulators.

Airtel DRC Managing Director Theirry Diasnoma said the service was particularly relevant to the country given its size and geography, which leave some communities and economic activities beyond conventional network coverage.

The service could benefit people and organisations operating in remote areas, including transport and logistics operators, humanitarian agencies, health workers, farmers and mining operations. It could also provide an additional communication option during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks.

Initially, the service is available to customers using compatible LTE Android smartphones with an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled. Support for Apple devices is expected to be introduced in the future.

Eligible customers can register through the MyAirtel App for an introductory 30-day free trial. After the trial period, access will be provided through eligible Airtel data bundles.

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The service currently supports basic communications, while Airtel Africa and Starlink are working on additional capabilities, subject to technological development and regulatory approvals in individual countries.

The companies said the DRC deployment would also provide experience that could inform the potential expansion of the service to other Airtel Africa markets.