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    On 14 August, Airtel Africa and Starlink launched Starlink Mobile in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The service will allow Airtel customers to connect smartphones directly to Starlink satellites in areas with limited mobile coverage. This marks Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC.

    Customers will not need to buy or install a satellite dish to connect to Starlink, as smartphones will automatically connect to satellites that work like mobile phone towers in space, according to Business Insider Africa.

    “The first-ever commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestone for Airtel Africa through our partnership with SpaceX,” Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said. “By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional mobile infrastructure.”

    How does Starlink Mobile work?

    Currently, the service is restricted to light-data services such as WhatsApp messaging and SMS. It cannot provide unrestricted high-speed internet for services such as video streaming. Customers must have an Airtel DRC data bundle or enable data roaming on their devices to connect to the satellites.

    Airtel DRC Chief Executive Officer Thierry Diasonama told Business Africa that due to the DRC’s size and geography, many people live and work outside the reach of typical telecommunications infrastructure. “This service provides an additional layer of connectivity, helping customers remain reachable, informed and connected even in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable.”

    Airtel Africa and SpaceX’s partnership

    Airtel Africa and SpaceX’s Direct-to-Cell partnership was first announced on 16 December 2025. Airtel hopes to launchtarlink’s satellite-to-phone technology across all 14 African markets in which it operates.

    It currently operates in the DRC, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Rwanda, Malawi, Niger, Chad, Gabon, Seychelles, Madagascar and the Republic of Congo


    Image: Evgeny Opanasenko

    The post Airtel Africa and Starlink Launch Satellite-to-Phone Service in DRC appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..

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