DRC First in Africa for Airtel-Starlink Satellite-to-Mobile

Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched a satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the first commercial deployment of the technology in Africa.

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. The service allows Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to connect in areas without conventional network coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky. Users can send SMS messages and use selected light-data applications, including WhatsApp, without specialised satellite equipment or a separate device.

Access and trial

To use the service, customers need:

• Compatible LTE Android smartphone
• Active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled
• Registration through the MyAirtel App

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.

Customers travelling to the DRC can also access the introductory trial after activating an eligible Airtel DRC service and registering through the MyAirtel App.

Partnership and rollout

The rollout 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.

Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, 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.

Expected impact

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.

Theirry Diasnoma, Managing Director of Airtel DRC, 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.

Expansion plans

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.