Airtel Africa, Starlink Launch Africa’s First Commercial Satellite-to-Phone Service in DRC

Airtel Africa and SpaceX’s Starlink have launched a commercial satellite-to-phone service in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in what the companies say is the first deployment of the technology in Africa.

The service, launched commercially on August 14, allows eligible Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites in areas where conventional mobile coverage is unavailable.

Unlike Starlink’s regular satellite internet service, customers do not need a satellite dish or separate terminal. Compatible mobile phones connect directly to satellites operating as mobile network towers in space.

For now, the service is limited to SMS and selected low-bandwidth applications, including WhatsApp messaging. It does not yet provide unrestricted high-speed internet, video streaming or the full range of services available through conventional mobile networks.

Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar described the launch as a major milestone in the company’s partnership with SpaceX.

He said combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology could extend essential connectivity beyond the reach of traditional mobile infrastructure.

Airtel Africa says lessons from the DRC rollout will support a gradual expansion of the service into its other African markets, subject to regulatory approvals.

The development could be particularly significant for remote communities across Africa, where building conventional mobile infrastructure remains difficult or commercially expensive.