NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 17 – Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched a satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), making it the first African market where the technology has moved to commercial use.
The service, launched on August 14, allows Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to stay connected in areas without conventional mobile network coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
The service currently supports SMS, WhatsApp messaging and other light-data applications without requiring specialised satellite equipment.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the launch will help extend connectivity beyond areas covered by traditional mobile 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 launch follows a partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025 and testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
Airtel said the DRC deployment could help people and organisations operating in remote areas, including transport and logistics companies, humanitarian agencies, health workers, farmers and mining operations.
The service could also provide an additional communication link during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks.
Airtel DRC Managing Director Theirry Diasnoma said the service could help address connectivity gaps caused by the country’s size and geography.
“The commercial launch of Starlink Mobile is an important step in extending essential connectivity across the DRC,” Diasnoma said.
Customers currently need a compatible LTE Android smartphone and an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled to use the service. Airtel said Apple devices will be supported in future.
Eligible customers can register through the MyAirtel App for a free 30-day trial, after which the service will be accessed through eligible Airtel data bundles.
Airtel said Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile constellation currently has 650 launched satellites, with further capabilities expected as the technology develops.
Kenya rollout not yet confirmed
The DRC launch follows successful Starlink Mobile tests in Kenya, but the service is not yet commercially available to Airtel customers in the country.
Airtel Africa said expansion to other markets will depend on country-specific regulatory approvals.
The DRC deployment therefore represents the first commercial step for Airtel’s Starlink Mobile service in Africa, with future expansion depending on regulatory approvals, compatible devices and the development of the technology.
