Airtel Africa and Starlink have officially launched Africa’s inaugural commercial satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This breakthrough allows users with compatible LTE Android smartphones to send WhatsApp messages and SMS in areas lacking terrestrial network coverage, as long as they have an active Airtel DRC data bundle or roaming enabled and clear sky visibility.
The partnership between Airtel Africa and SpaceX, announced in May 2025, initially focused on satellite broadband solutions such as backhaul for rural cell towers and connectivity for remote schools and health centers. By March 2026, the collaboration progressed to a live pilot in Kenya, demonstrating that standard 4G smartphones could connect directly to satellites without additional hardware.
The DRC launch marks the transition from pilot to commercial service, a strategic choice given the country’s challenging geography, where dense forests and limited road networks isolate many communities from cellular infrastructure.
Target Users and Service Features
- Logistics operators
- Health workers
- Farmers
- Humanitarian organizations
- Emergency communication during terrestrial outages
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar described the launch as a significant milestone, highlighting the synergy between Airtel’s terrestrial network and Starlink’s satellite technology to extend connectivity beyond traditional limits. He also acknowledged the crucial role of the DRC telecom ministry and regulator in enabling the service, underscoring the importance of regulatory approval for future expansions.
New users in the DRC can access a 30-day free trial via the MyAirtel App, after which the service continues through eligible data bundles. While support for Apple devices is forthcoming, expansion to other Airtel markets depends on obtaining similar regulatory clearances, with Kenya expected to follow given its role in the pilot phase.
