Airtel Africa has launched Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through its partnership with Starlink, enabling customers with compatible smartphones to stay connected in areas without traditional terrestrial network coverage.
The service allows customers to access light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging, as well as SMS, without requiring specialised equipment or a separate satellite device. Connectivity is enabled through Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile network, which currently has 650 launched satellites.
The DRC is the first Airtel Africa market to move the service into commercial deployment. The launch follows the strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025 and successful testing of Starlink’s mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
Airtel Africa said the deployment represents a significant step in using satellite technology to expand connectivity across underserved areas and address the continent’s broader digital and connectivity needs.
