How Airtel and Starlink are changing mobile connectivity in Africa

Airtel and Starlink

Kinshasa – Airtel Africa and Elon Musk’s SpaceX have launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-phone service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), allowing eligible customers to connect their smartphones directly to Starlink satellites in areas where conventional mobile coverage is unavailable.

The service, commercially launched on 14 August 2026, marks the first time Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology has moved from testing to commercial operation on the African continent.

According to Business Insider Africa, the service allows compatible LTE Android smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites without requiring a satellite dish or other specialised equipment.

FurtherAfrica also reported that the deployment is Africa’s first live satellite-to-mobile service and described it as a commercial launch rather than a pilot.

Instead of relying on traditional mobile towers, the technology allows satellites to function as mobile towers in orbit. At launch, the service supports SMS and selected light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging, but does not yet provide unrestricted high-speed internet, video streaming or the full range of services available through conventional mobile networks.

“The first-ever commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa through our partnership with SpaceX,” reports quoted Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar as saying.

“By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional mobile infrastructure.”

Airtel said the service is initially available to compatible LTE Android smartphones, with support for Apple devices expected to follow. Customers need an active Airtel DRC data bundle or must enable data roaming and register through the MyAirtel application.

Eligible customers will receive free access for an introductory 30-day period, after which satellite connectivity will be available through eligible data bundles. Airtel has not yet disclosed whether dedicated Starlink bundles will be introduced or how much the satellite service will cost after the trial period.

Airtel DRC Chief Executive Officer Thierry Diasonama said the country’s geography makes satellite connectivity particularly important.

“This service provides an additional layer of connectivity, helping customers remain reachable, informed and connected even in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable,” he said.

Filling DRC’s connectivity gaps

The launch comes as the DRC continues to grapple with a significant digital connectivity gap. Business Insider Africa reported that only about 30% of the country’s population used the internet in 2023, according to International Telecommunication Union data.

The DRC’s vast landmass, dense forests, difficult terrain, dispersed communities and security challenges have made the construction and maintenance of conventional telecommunications infrastructure expensive.

The satellite-to-phone service could allow Airtel to extend basic connectivity into some of these underserved areas without having to immediately construct additional terrestrial infrastructure.

FurtherAfrica reported that the technology could be particularly relevant to mining companies, agricultural operators and humanitarian organisations working in remote parts of the country. The service could also provide a communications layer during natural disasters, conflicts or temporary disruptions to conventional mobile networks.

First step in wider African rollout

The DRC launch is part of a broader partnership between Airtel Africa and SpaceX announced in December 2025.

The agreement covers Airtel’s 14 African markets, with the companies planning to introduce Starlink’s satellite-to-phone technology across the group’s footprint, subject to regulatory and spectrum approvals in individual countries.

The companies previously tested Starlink Mobile’s messaging and data capabilities in Kenya in March 2026, but the DRC is the first Airtel market where the technology has progressed to full commercial access.

According to Business Insider Africa, Starlink currently has about 650 satellites equipped to support direct connections with mobile phones, while the companies plan to use newer generations of satellites to deliver faster data services in the future.

The DRC rollout could also have implications beyond telecommunications, with the technology potentially reducing the need for expensive tower construction in sparsely populated or difficult-to-reach areas.

However, access will still depend on customers having compatible smartphones, while device affordability, data costs and digital skills could limit the technology’s immediate reach among poorer rural communities.

The launch follows a regulatory turnaround for Starlink in the DRC. Congolese authorities granted Starlink DRC SA a telecommunications licence on 2 May 2025 after previously restricting its operation amid security concerns.

With the DRC now the first African market to offer commercial satellite-to-phone connectivity, the focus will turn to customer uptake, pricing, regulatory approvals in other Airtel markets and whether the technology can eventually expand beyond basic messaging to voice and richer data services.

Article written by