Airtel Africa Plc has commercially launched Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo, becoming the first telecommunications operator in Africa to deploy the technology commercially as the continent’s carriers look to extend coverage beyond conventional mobile networks.
The service, launched Friday in Kinshasa, allows Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to connect to Starlink satellites in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has about 650 satellites launched for its direct-to-device constellation, according to Airtel. The service initially supports light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging and SMS, without requiring customers to purchase a satellite terminal or other specialized equipment.
The DRC is the first of Airtel Africa’s markets to move the service from testing into commercial deployment. Airtel and Starlink announced their partnership in December 2025, while data and messaging services were tested in Kenya in March.
The launch gives Airtel another tool to address connectivity challenges in the DRC, one of Africa’s largest countries by land area, where vast distances and difficult terrain make traditional network expansion costly.
“Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology” will extend connectivity beyond conventional infrastructure, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said in a statement.
Customers using the service currently need a compatible LTE Android smartphone and an active Airtel DRC data bundle, or data roaming enabled. Apple devices are expected to be supported in the future.
Airtel is offering eligible customers a 30-day free trial through its MyAirtel application. After the introductory period, access will be provided through eligible Airtel data bundles.
The service could be particularly relevant to mining companies, transport operators, humanitarian organizations, health workers and agricultural communities operating in remote areas. It may also provide an alternative communications channel during natural disasters or temporary outages of terrestrial networks.
The commercial rollout in the DRC marks an early test of whether satellite-to-mobile technology can complement Africa’s existing mobile infrastructure at scale. Airtel said expansion into additional markets will depend on country-specific regulatory approvals.
Starlink’s direct-to-device strategy represents a shift from satellite internet services that traditionally required dedicated dishes or terminals. By connecting satellites directly with ordinary mobile phones, operators can potentially reach customers in areas where building conventional cell towers is uneconomical.
Airtel Africa said the companies are continuing to develop the service, with additional capabilities expected as the technology matures and regulatory approvals are secured.
For Airtel, the DRC launch also provides an early commercial foothold in a technology that could reshape how mobile operators approach Africa’s remaining connectivity gaps.