Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched Africa’s first commercial satellite service capable of connecting directly to mobile handsets. The service is a partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink company of Elon Musk.
According to this deal, compatible Airtel devices can connect directly to Starlink satellites in regions or areas that lack conventional mobile network coverage and cellular signals. The service doesn’t need any separate satellite antenna because the orbiting units function in a manner similar to terrestrial mobile base stations.
Currently, this service supports text messaging and selected applications that also includes WhatsApp. Further additional technical features are expected to be introduced soon with the expansion of partnership across Africa.
As per the sources, the announcement was made in Kinhasa on Friday, August 14, 2026 by the Airtel’s partnership with SpaceX of Elon Musk. This partnership has put DRC ahead of other Airtel Africa Market regions and has brought satellite-backed mobile connectivity to ordinary customers.
To link, no satellite dish, separate terminal or specialised equipment is required to access the service. At present its supports light-data applications through world’s largest satellite-to-mobile constellation, with approx. 650 satellites in orbit.
To use it, customers require a compatible Long Term Evolution (LTE) Android smartphone with either an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled. Eligible users can register through the MyAirtel App and can access a free 30-day introductory trial after which the service will be available through paid data bundles.
However, for Apple devices, the needed support is expected to be introduced later. SpaceX has also explained that the service is already connecting with over 100 smartphone models.
Airtel has launched Starlink Mobile commercially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), that marked it the first commercial deployment of the satellite-based mobile service in African region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced the continent’s inaugural commercial satellite system that links directly to mobile handsets, developed in collaboration between Airtel Africa and Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Under this arrangement, suitable Airtel devices are able to… pic.twitter.com/iLCR2DvjLn
— African Hub (@AfricanHub_) August 17, 2026
Managing Director of Airtel DRC – Thierry Diasnoma said that the vast size of the country and challenging geography makes the economic deployment of terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure difficult, particularly in remote areas. The satellite services are expected to help in extending connectivity to customers beyond the reach of conventional ground networks.
Diasnoma described the commercial launch as an important step towards expanding essential connectivity across the DRC.
CEO of Airtel Africa – Sunil Taldar said that the launch represents a broader milestone for the group and its partnership with SpaceX. It highlights the potential of combing terrestrial infrastructure with satellite technology to expand network coverage.
The DRC will serve as an important market for the initial deployment with Airtel expected to use the experience gained from the launch to support the gradual expansion of Starlink Mobile across other markets, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals.
According to Airtel, the service could provide significant benefits to transport and logistics companies, humanitarian organisations, healthcare workers, farmers, mining operations and communities located or travelling in areas without conventional mobile coverage. It may also provide a backup communications channel during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks.
The launch represents a significant step in Airtel Africa’s history to extend mobile connectivity to hard-to-reach areas through satellite technology.