Airtel Africa and Starlink Launch Africa's First Commercial Satellite-to-Mobile Service in DRC
Airtel Africa switched on 'Starlink Mobile' in Kinshasa on August 14, 2026 — the first time direct-to-phone satellite connectivity has moved from pilot to full commercial deployment anywhere in Africa. Compatible LTE Android smartphones can connect directly to Starlink's satellite-to-mobile constellation (roughly 650 satellites) without a dish or specialized hardware, supporting light-data uses like WhatsApp and SMS in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage. Customers register via the MyAirtel App and receive a 30-day free trial. The launch builds on a December 2025 Airtel Africa–Starlink partnership covering all 14 of Airtel's African markets and a March 2026 pilot in Kenya; Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Niger, Chad, Republic of Congo, and Gabon are potential next markets.
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- T2 Space in Africa — Airtel Africa Launches Africa's First Satellite-to-Mobile Service in DRC with Starlink Major middle_eastern
- T2 Developing Telecoms — Airtel Africa claims first commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in DRC Major western
- T2 Businessday NG — Airtel, Starlink launch direct-to-phone satellite service in DR Congo Major middle_eastern