Airtel Africa and SpaceX-owned Starlink have commercially launched a satellite-to-phone service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on August 14, 2026, marking the first deployment of Starlink's direct-to-phone technology in Africa. The service allows eligible Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites in areas without conventional mobile coverage, eliminating the need for a satellite dish.
How the Service Works for Airtel Customers
Unlike traditional Starlink broadband, this new service does not require customers to purchase or install a satellite dish. Instead, specially equipped satellites act as mobile towers in space, communicating directly with compatible phones. Initially, the service focuses on basic connectivity: customers can send SMS messages and access selected light-data applications, including WhatsApp messaging. It does not yet offer unrestricted high-speed internet, video streaming, or the full range of services available through conventional mobile networks.
The service is initially available on compatible LTE Android smartphones, with support for Apple devices expected later. Customers must have an active Airtel DRC data bundle or enable data roaming. Eligible users can register through the MyAirtel application and receive free access during an introductory 30-day period. Airtel has not disclosed eventual pricing or whether dedicated Starlink bundles will be introduced after the trial.
Why the DRC Launch Matters
The DRC is one of Africa's largest and most challenging telecommunications markets, with an enormous landmass, forests, difficult terrain, and security issues that make conventional infrastructure expensive to build and maintain. According to International Telecommunication Union data, only about 30% of the population used the internet in 2023. Airtel DRC CEO Thierry Diasonama said the new service would provide an additional layer of connectivity for people living and working beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
The technology could prove useful for mining companies, farmers, transport operators, health workers, and humanitarian organisations in remote locations. It could also provide basic communications during disasters, conflicts, or temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks. However, access will depend on customers owning compatible smartphones, meaning device affordability, data costs, and digital skills could limit adoption among poorer rural communities.
From Regulatory Concerns to Commercial Breakthrough
Starlink's journey in the DRC has been complex. Congolese authorities previously prohibited Starlink terminals over concerns that the technology could be exploited by armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 movement in the country's east. The position changed on May 2, 2025, when the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority granted Starlink DRC SA a licence to operate as a telecommunications network and service provider. Traditional Starlink broadband subsequently became available, but users needed dedicated equipment. The Airtel partnership represents a major shift because mobile phones can now connect directly to satellites.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar described the launch as a major milestone for the company and its partnership with SpaceX, saying the combination of Airtel's terrestrial network and Starlink's satellite technology would extend connectivity beyond the reach of conventional infrastructure.
Airtel Targets 14 African Markets
Airtel Africa and SpaceX announced their Direct-to-Cell partnership in December 2025, with plans to introduce the technology across Airtel's 14 African markets. The operator serves customers in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, Chad, Gabon, Seychelles, Madagascar, the Republic of Congo, and the DRC. The companies tested Starlink Mobile's messaging and data capabilities in Kenya in March 2026, including areas outside Airtel's terrestrial coverage. The DRC has now become the first market where the technology has moved from testing into commercial service.
Airtel says Starlink has about 650 satellites capable of supporting direct connections with mobile phones, while newer-generation satellites are expected to deliver faster data services. Expansion into other African countries will depend on regulatory and spectrum approvals. The development could intensify competition among African telecom operators as companies explore satellite technology to close coverage gaps. For now, the DRC has become the continent's first commercial proving ground for whether satellite-to-phone connectivity can evolve from an ambitious technology demonstration into an everyday mobile service.
