Elon Musk’s Starlink Goes Live in Africa as Airtel Launches Direct-to-Phone Service in DRC
Elon Musk’s Starlink has made its commercial entry into Africa’s direct-to-phone market after Airtel Africa launched the satellite connectivity service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The service, known as Starlink Mobile, went live commercially on August 14, 2026, allowing eligible Airtel customers to connect compatible smartphones directly to Starlink satellites in areas where Airtel’s conventional network is unavailable.
The DRC is the first African country where Airtel and SpaceX have moved the technology beyond testing and into commercial use.
Unlike Starlink’s traditional satellite internet, the new service does not require customers to install a satellite dish or other specialised equipment.
Compatible smartphones communicate directly with satellites, which can provide mobile connectivity in places without conventional network coverage.
For now, the service supports SMS and selected low-data applications, including WhatsApp. It does not yet provide unrestricted high-speed internet, video streaming or the full range of services offered by regular mobile networks.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the launch would help extend connectivity to communities beyond the reach of traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
He said the company would use the experience from the DRC rollout as it prepares to introduce the service in other African markets, subject to regulatory approvals.
What Airtel customers need
The service is initially available to customers using compatible LTE Android smartphones, while support for Apple devices is expected later.
Eligible subscribers must have an active Airtel DRC data bundle or enable data roaming on their devices.
Customers can register through the MyAirtel application and receive free access for an introductory 30-day period.
Airtel has not disclosed how much the service will cost after the trial period or whether special Starlink data packages will be introduced.
The technology could be particularly valuable in remote communities where difficult terrain, insecurity and the cost of building telecommunications infrastructure have left many areas without reliable mobile coverage.
Mining companies, farmers, transport operators, health workers and humanitarian organisations are among those expected to benefit.
The service could also provide a basic communication channel during natural disasters, conflicts and temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks.
Starlink’s journey in the DRC
The commercial launch comes after a major change in the DRC’s position on Starlink.
Congolese authorities had previously prohibited Starlink terminals over security concerns, including fears that armed groups could exploit the technology.
However, the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority granted Starlink DRC SA a telecommunications licence on May 2, 2025.
The company subsequently began offering conventional Starlink broadband in the country, although that service requires customers to use dedicated equipment.
The Airtel partnership is different because compatible mobile phones can communicate directly with Starlink satellites.
Airtel targets 14 African markets
Airtel Africa and SpaceX announced their Direct-to-Cell partnership in December 2025, with plans to expand the technology across Airtel’s 14 African markets.
The countries include Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, Chad, Gabon, Seychelles, Madagascar, the Republic of Congo and the DRC.
The companies successfully tested Starlink Mobile in Kenya in March 2026 in areas where Airtel’s terrestrial network was unavailable.
The DRC has now become the first market where the service has entered commercial operation.
Airtel says about 650 Starlink satellites are equipped to support direct connections with mobile phones, while newer generations of satellites are expected to deliver faster data services.
The expansion into other African countries will depend on regulatory and spectrum approvals.
For Starlink, the DRC launch marks its first commercial direct-to-phone deployment in Africa and could open a new front in the race to provide mobile connectivity to millions of people living beyond the reach of traditional networks.
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