Starlink Direct-to-Cell service has gone live in the Democratic Republic of Congo, allowing users to connect to the internet without a traditional cell tower.
How the service works
The new offering, a joint effort by Airtel Africa and SpaceX, lets compatible smartphones communicate directly with Starlink satellites. No dish or extra hardware is required; a phone that can send a text message can also reach the network.
At launch, the service supports light‑weight data tasks such as WhatsApp messaging and SMS. Full‑scale web browsing or video streaming are not yet available. Current speeds are reported to be under 1 megabit per second, though newer satellites are expected to raise that figure.
Technical filings reviewed by a technology outlet show the system uses the 1965 MHz band for uplink and 2155 MHz for downlink, frequencies already assigned to the firm under its national license. This spectrum choice simplifies regulatory approval in other markets.
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Why the rollout matters for the DRC
Remote regions of the DRC have long been outside the reach of conventional mobile networks. Building a cell tower in rugged terrain can cost as much as $150,000, a price that has left many villages unserved. Satellite coverage bypasses that expense, turning each of the more than 650 Starlink satellites into a virtual tower in orbit.
According to the telecom regulator, the country’s Post and Telecommunications Authority granted SpaceX’s local subsidiary an operating licence in May 2025. That early clearance gave the partnership a timing advantage over competitors.
With 64 percent of Africa’s population still lacking mobile internet access, the ability to reach national parks, border zones, and areas isolated by conflict or disaster could have a tangible impact on daily life.
Looking ahead, the arrangement is not intended to replace existing infrastructure. Airtel has emphasized that the satellite link is aimed at filling gaps where building and maintaining towers is uneconomic.
From a broader perspective, the DRC pilot may set a precedent for other countries with similar terrain challenges. If the service can demonstrate reliable performance at low cost, regulators elsewhere might view the satellite approach as a viable supplement to ground‑based networks, potentially accelerating rollout timelines across the continent.
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Future expansion plans
The firm has announced a plan to extend Direct‑to‑Cell to all 14 of its African markets by next year, pending local approvals. Its strategy hinges on leveraging the same satellite constellation while adapting to each country’s spectrum allocations.
Earlier tests in Kenya during March 2026 confirmed the technology’s ability to handle basic data and messaging services, paving the way for the DRC launch as the first commercial deployment on the continent.
Industry observers note that the limited bandwidth is a deliberate choice, designed to stay within strict power and spectrum limits while integrating smoothly with existing terrestrial networks.
Regulators in other nations will likely examine the DRC filing closely, especially the use of existing licensed frequencies. The approach could streamline future approvals, reducing the time needed to bring satellite‑based mobile connectivity to underserved populations.
