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Airtel Africa and Starlink launch satellite-to-mobile service in DRC
Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The service, which went live on August 14, 2026, allows users with compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink’s satellite constellation without the need for specialized hardware like satellite dishes or dedicated terminals.
Currently, the service is limited to LTE-capable Android devices and supports low-bandwidth applications, including SMS and WhatsApp messaging. Users must have a clear view of the sky and an active Airtel DRC data bundle to access the network. Airtel plans to expand support to Apple devices as early as September 2026.
The deployment follows a strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and SpaceX announced in December 2025 and a successful pilot program in Kenya in March 2026. This technological shift aims to provide connectivity to remote and underserved regions of the DRC where terrestrial mobile infrastructure is difficult to maintain.
Entities
Airtel Africa · Democratic Republic of the Congo · SpaceX · Starlink · Sunil Taldar
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Eligible customers can receive a free 30-day introductory trial via the MyAirtel app. spaceinafrica.com · www.riotimesonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Starlink has launched 650 satellites dedicated to this satellite-to-mobile technology. fr.infosgabon.com · spaceinafrica.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Initial support is limited to LTE-capable Android handsets. spaceinafrica.com · www.riotimesonline.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of Congo. fr.infosgabon.com · spaceinafrica.com · www.riotimesonline.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The service currently supports SMS and low-bandwidth applications, including WhatsApp messaging. fr.infosgabon.com · spaceinafrica.com · www.riotimesonline.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The service allows compatible smartphones to connect directly to satellites without requiring a dish or extra hardware. fr.infosgabon.com · spaceinafrica.com · www.riotimesonline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Apple device support is expected to be added as early as September 2026. www.riotimesonline.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The service launch in the DRC follows a pilot program conducted in Kenya in March 2026. fr.infosgabon.com · spaceinafrica.com · www.riotimesonline.com