The Democratic Republic of Congo has become the first African market to commercially deploy a satellite-to-mobile service following the launch of a partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink.
The service will allow Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access basic mobile connectivity in areas outside conventional terrestrial network coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
According to the companies, the service initially supports low-bandwidth applications, including SMS and WhatsApp messaging. Customers do not need specialised satellite equipment or a separate device to use the service.
The launch follows a strategic partnership announced by Airtel Africa and Starlink in December 2025. It also comes after the companies tested Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
The DRC is the first Airtel Africa market where the service has progressed from testing to commercial deployment. Any expansion into other Airtel markets will be subject to technical readiness and regulatory approval in individual countries.
The satellite-to-mobile service is intended to address connectivity gaps in areas where conventional mobile infrastructure is unavailable or difficult to deploy.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the partnership combines the operator’s existing terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology to extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure.
“The first-ever commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa through our partnership with SpaceX.”
Taldar said the experience gained from the DRC deployment would help inform the potential rollout of the service across other Airtel Africa markets, subject to regulatory approvals.
The service could be particularly relevant in a country as geographically large as the DRC, where communities and businesses in remote areas can face challenges accessing conventional mobile networks.
Thierry Diasnoma, Managing Director of Airtel DRC, said the service would provide an additional connectivity option for people living and working beyond the reach of terrestrial infrastructure.
“Our country’s size and geography mean that many people live, work and travel beyond the reach of conventional mobile infrastructure.”
Potential users include transport and logistics operators, humanitarian organisations, health workers, farmers, mining companies and communities in areas with limited network coverage.
The service could also provide an additional communications channel during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks.
Smartphone requirements
For now, customers in the DRC need a compatible LTE Android smartphone, an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled to access the service.
The companies said Apple devices will be supported in the future as the service develops.
Eligible Airtel DRC customers can register through the MyAirtel App for a 30-day introductory trial. Customers travelling to the DRC and joining Airtel DRC can also register after activating an eligible service and downloading the application.
After the trial period, access to Starlink Mobile will continue through eligible Airtel data bundles.
Satellite-to-mobile technology is emerging as an alternative way for mobile operators to extend coverage without relying entirely on additional terrestrial infrastructure.
For countries with large rural populations, difficult terrain or widely dispersed communities, the technology could help address some of the physical and economic challenges associated with extending conventional mobile networks.
However, the scale and availability of such services will depend on factors including satellite capacity, compatible devices, service pricing, network integration and regulatory approvals.
Airtel Africa and Starlink said they are continuing to develop the service, with additional capabilities expected as the technology evolves and the necessary approvals are secured.
The commercial launch in the DRC marks the first deployment of the Airtel-Starlink satellite-to-mobile service in Africa and provides an early test case for its potential expansion across the continent.
