Airtel Africa expands satellite-to-mobile connectivity after commercial launch in DRC

The DRC is the first country in Africa where Airtel has moved Starlink's direct-to-mobile technology from testing to commercial service. This initiative aims to provide connectivity to customers in areas without traditional mobile coverage, complementing Airtel's existing network infrastructure. The company added over 3,250 sites and 3,200 kilometers of fiber in the year ending March 2026, bringing its total network to 40,378 sites and approximately 81,882 kilometers of fiber.

Airtel, operating in 14 African countries, had 183.5 million customers as of March 31, 2026. The partnership with SpaceX, announced in December 2025, allows customers with compatible smartphones to connect where Airtel's terrestrial network is unavailable. Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, stated that the DRC deployment will help extend connectivity beyond conventional mobile infrastructure limits.

The service in the DRC supports SMS and light-data applications, such as WhatsApp messaging, for compatible LTE Android smartphones without requiring a Starlink dish. Airtel DRC Managing Director, Thierry Diasnoma, highlighted the importance of this service in extending essential connectivity across the DRC's vast geography. The technology is designed to provide basic connectivity in remote areas and can a