SpaceX's Starlink given approval for takeoff in Democratic Republic of Congo

In a significant move to improve digital access in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Congo (ARPTC) has granted authorization for Starlink to roll out satellite-based internet services [1]. The approval allows Starlink DRC S.A., a subsidiary of SpaceX, to operate as an internet service provider in the DRC.

Starlink's satellite-based internet services have the potential to revolutionize connectivity in the DRC, particularly in remote and underserved areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is lacking [2]. The service rollout aims to bridge the connectivity gap, providing stable, high-speed internet where it was previously unavailable or unreliable.

Airtel Africa, a leading telecom operator in the DRC, has partnered with SpaceX to offer Starlink broadband in the country. This collaboration leverages Starlink's low Earth orbit satellites, which offer reduced latency and improved connection stability compared to older satellite internet technologies [3]. With Airtel's strong market presence and Vodacom's complementary infrastructure sharing efforts, digital coverage expansion is further strengthened.

The entry of Starlink into the DRC is part of the country's broader push to improve digital access and infrastructure. Key potential impacts of this deployment include:

Extension of reliable, high-speed internet to rural and underserved areas, previously lacking coverage due to difficult terrain and costly cable deployment.
Improved economic opportunities through enabling digital businesses, e-commerce, and access to global markets in remote communities.
Enhanced educational and health services by connecting schools, hospitals, and clinics with digital resources and telemedicine capabilities.
Greater digital inclusion contributing to reducing the digital divide in a country where significant portions of the population remain offline.
Support for government and development goals aiming for broader digital transformation and socio-economic development.

However, challenges remain, including affordability, device availability, and ensuring sustained service quality. Recent global outages, such as one affecting 61,000 users worldwide for two hours in July 2025, highlight system vulnerabilities that could impact user experience [5].

According to ARPTC President Christian Katende, the rollout of Starlink's services in the DRC is expected to begin in the coming days [4]. This entry of Starlink into the DRC follows its pattern of entering other African countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, and Kenya.

References:

Airtel Africa and SpaceX Partner to Offer Starlink Broadband in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (2025, May 2). Retrieved from https://www.airtel.com/news/airtel-africa-and-spacex-partner-to-offer-starlink-broadband-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo
How Starlink Can Help Bridge the Digital Divide in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (2025, May 3). Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/technology/2025/05/03/how-starlink-can-help-bridge-the-digital-divide-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo
Starlink's Low Latency Satellite Internet Technology. (2025, May 4). Retrieved from https://www.starlink.com/technology
Starlink DRC S.A. Authorized to Operate as Internet Service Provider in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (2025, May 2). Retrieved from https://www.arptc.cd/news/starlink-drc-sa-authorized-to-operate-as-internet-service-provider-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo
Starlink Global Outage Affects 61,000 Users Worldwide. (2025, July 1). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/starlink-global-outage-affects-61000-users-worldwide-2025-07-01
The entry of Starlink into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marks a significant stride in leveraging science and technology to bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
With the deployment of Starlink's satellite-based internet services, the DRC can potentially boost space-and-astronomy research capabilities, enabling increased collaboration with global academic institutions and organizations.