Satellite mobile communications launched in DRC
On August 14, 2026, in Kinshasa, Airtel Africa announced the launch of a commercial satellite mobile service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of a partnership with Starlink.
The service allows Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to use WhatsApp and SMS in areas not covered by a terrestrial network using a constellation of 650 Starlink satellites without the need for special equipment.
The DRC became the first Airtel Africa market in which the service was put into commercial operation. The launch came after successful testing of mobile data and messaging services using Starlink satellites in Kenya in March 2026.
TECHAFRICANEWS
