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Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-phone service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), extending mobile connectivity to customers in areas beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial networks.
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The commercial launch marks a major milestone in the partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink, bringing direct-to-device satellite connectivity to an African market for the first time.
The service enables eligible Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access basic connectivity in locations without ground-based mobile coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
By combining Airtel Africa’s terrestrial mobile network with Starlink’s satellite infrastructure, the companies aim to provide an additional layer of connectivity for communities, businesses and organisations operating in some of the DRC’s most remote locations.
DRC Becomes First African Market for Commercial Starlink Mobile
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the first Airtel Africa market, and the first country on the continent, where the satellite-to-phone service has progressed from testing to full commercial deployment.
The launch follows the strategic partnership announced by Airtel Africa and Starlink in December 2025, as well as a successful trial of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
The technology is designed to connect compatible mobile devices directly through Starlink’s satellite network when conventional mobile infrastructure is unavailable.
Starlink currently operates one of the world’s largest satellite constellations designed for direct-to-device connectivity, with 650 satellites launched to support the service.
The initial offering supports low-bandwidth applications, including WhatsApp messaging and standard SMS, without requiring customers to purchase specialist satellite equipment or additional devices.
How Airtel Customers Can Access Starlink Mobile
To access the satellite-to-phone service, customers must have a compatible Android LTE smartphone and an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled.
Support for Apple devices is expected to be introduced at a later stage.
Eligible customers can register for the service through the MyAirtel application and receive a free 30-day trial.
Travellers visiting the DRC who join Airtel DRC can also access the trial after activating an eligible service and downloading the MyAirtel application.
Following the trial period, Starlink Mobile services will remain available through eligible Airtel data bundles.
Airtel Africa Sees Satellite Technology as Next Frontier for Connectivity
Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar, described the commercial launch as a significant milestone for the telecommunications company and its partnership with SpaceX.
“The first commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa through our partnership with SpaceX,” Taldar said.
“By combining Airtel’s ground-based network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional mobile infrastructure.”
According to him, the experience gained from the DRC deployment will support the gradual expansion of the service across Airtel Africa’s markets, subject to regulatory approvals in individual countries.
The development could provide a new model for addressing one of Africa’s long-standing telecommunications challenges: extending reliable connectivity to communities where building conventional mobile infrastructure is difficult or commercially challenging.
Satellite-to-Phone Service Targets Remote Communities and Businesses
Airtel DRC Managing Director, Thierry Diasonama, said the size and geographical characteristics of the DRC meant that many people lived and worked beyond the reach of conventional mobile infrastructure.
“This service provides an additional layer of connectivity, helping customers remain reachable, informed, and connected, even in areas where ground-based coverage is not available,” he said.
The service is expected to benefit individuals and organisations operating in remote areas, including transport and logistics companies, humanitarian organisations, healthcare professionals, farmers, mining companies and underserved communities.
Satellite-to-phone connectivity could also provide an alternative communication channel during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial mobile networks.
For a country as geographically vast as the DRC, where the deployment of traditional telecommunications infrastructure across every community can be difficult, the technology could help close some of the remaining connectivity gaps.
From Mobile Towers to Satellites: A New Layer of African Connectivity
The launch highlights the growing role of satellite technology in the future of mobile connectivity across Africa.
Rather than replacing existing terrestrial mobile infrastructure, the Airtel Africa-Starlink service is expected to complement conventional networks by providing coverage in locations where mobile towers are unavailable.
The partnership also signals the increasing convergence of telecommunications and satellite technology, as mobile operators seek new ways to connect people, businesses and public services beyond the boundaries of traditional network infrastructure.
Airtel Africa and Starlink said they would continue to develop the service, with additional features expected as the technology evolves and regulatory approvals are secured across more African markets.
The DRC launch therefore represents more than the introduction of a new mobile service. It provides Airtel Africa with a commercial test case for how satellite-to-phone technology could eventually support connectivity across some of the continent’s hardest-to-reach communities.
As demand for reliable communications, digital services and emergency connectivity continues to grow, the successful expansion of direct-to-device satellite services could become an important component of Africa’s broader digital infrastructure.
