After Kenya Tests, Airtel Africa Launches Starlink Mobile in DRC

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

• The launch follows the strategic partnership announced by Airtel Africa and Starlink in December 2025 and the successful testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
• To use the service, customers need a compatible LTE Android smartphone, an active  Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming switched on.
• Starlink's service enables light-data apps, including WhatsApp messaging, as well as SMS. 

"The DRC is leading this important development, and the experience gained here will support the progressive expansion of the service across our markets, subject  to country-specific regulatory approvals,” Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, said.

The direct-to-cell deal is the second of two SpaceX agreements Airtel Africa has executed. The first, a backhaul arrangement signed in 2024, routes traffic from remote base stations through Starlink satellites to international gateways, cutting the infrastructure cost of extending rural coverage. The newer D2C agreement goes further, keeping subscribers connected on existing devices once they move beyond Airtel's terrestrial footprint.

Airtel Africa and Starlink said they will continue developing the service, with additional capabilities as the technology evolves and the necessary regulatory approvals  are secured. Among them will be introducing the service to Apple phones.