Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched a satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking the first commercial deployment of the technology in Africa.
The service allows Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access mobile connectivity in areas without terrestrial network coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
The launch follows a partnership between Airtel Africa and Starlink announced in December 2025, as well as successful testing of Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the launch marks a significant milestone in extending connectivity beyond the reach of conventional mobile networks.
He said the DRC experience would support the planned expansion of the service to other Airtel Africa markets, subject to regulatory approvals in each country.
Airtel DRC Managing Director Theirry Diasnoma said the service would help connect people and organisations operating in remote areas, including transport and logistics companies, humanitarian organisations, health workers, farmers, mining operations and communities without access to terrestrial networks.
Airtel Africa is a telecommunications and mobile money services provider operating in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, including Malawi.