Airtel Africa Launches Starlink Mobile in DRC, First Commercial Deployment in Africa

 Airtel Africa Launches Starlink Mobile in DRC, First Commercial Deployment in Africa

Airtel Africa has partnered with Starlink to commercially launch satellite-to-mobile connectivity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), making the country the first market in Africa to deploy the service commercially.

The launch, announced in Kinshasa on August 14, 2026, enables Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access mobile connectivity in areas beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial networks, provided they have a clear view of the sky.

The Starlink Mobile service, powered by SpaceX’s satellite constellation, currently supports light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging and SMS. Customers do not need specialised satellite equipment or a separate device to access the service.

The deployment follows the 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.

According to Airtel Africa, the DRC is the first of its markets — and the first country on the continent — where Starlink Mobile has advanced from testing to commercial deployment.

Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, described the launch as a major milestone for the company and its partnership with SpaceX.

“The first-ever commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa through our partnership with SpaceX,” Taldar said.

He explained that combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology would extend connectivity beyond the limitations of conventional mobile infrastructure.

“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,” he added.

Airtel DRC Managing Director, Theirry Diasnoma, said the service would help address connectivity challenges created by the DRC’s vast geography, particularly for people living and working outside the reach of traditional mobile infrastructure.

He said Starlink Mobile would provide an additional layer of connectivity, enabling customers to remain reachable and access information even in areas without terrestrial network coverage.

The service is expected to benefit a wide range of users and organisations operating in remote locations, including transport and logistics companies, humanitarian organisations, health workers, farmers, mining operations and communities without reliable terrestrial connectivity.

It could also provide an important communications backup during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial telecommunications networks.

How Airtel Customers Can Access Starlink Mobile

Eligible Airtel DRC customers can register through the MyAirtel App to receive a 30-day introductory free trial.

Customers travelling to the DRC can also register for the trial after joining Airtel DRC, activating an eligible service and downloading the MyAirtel App.

To use the service, customers currently require a compatible LTE Android smartphone and either an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming switched on.

Airtel said Apple devices will be supported in the future as the service expands.

After the introductory trial period, customers will continue to access Starlink Mobile through eligible Airtel data bundles.

Airtel Africa and Starlink are also working on further developments to the service, with additional capabilities expected as the technology evolves and relevant regulatory approvals are obtained.

The commercial launch further strengthens Airtel Africa’s position in satellite-enabled telecommunications and highlights the growing role of non-terrestrial networks in extending digital connectivity to underserved and remote communities across Africa.