Starlink Officially Launches in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Expanding Internet Access Across Africa

Starlink, the satellite internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially launched in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a pivotal milestone in the country’s push to close its vast digital divide. The launch follows the issuance of a telecommunications license by the Congolese Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) to Starlink DRC S.A., the company’s locally registered subsidiary, on May 2, 2025.

With a population exceeding 111 million and just 30.6% internet penetration as of January 2025 (according to DataReportal), the DRC has long struggled with digital inclusion. The country’s immense size, lack of terrestrial infrastructure, and ongoing conflict in eastern provinces have made connectivity one of its most critical challenges. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network offers a breakthrough: high-speed, reliable internet beamed directly from space, capable of reaching remote and underserved regions.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The ARPTC hailed the launch as a major step forward for digital inclusion in the DRC. Starlink’s internet service is expected to support a wide array of sectors, including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and disaster response, helping to bridge the urban-rural connectivity gap.

The service offers download speeds of 5–50 Mbps and upload speeds of 2–10 Mbps, with unlimited data available through its Roam plans. Its expansion into the DRC marks the company’s 22nd active market in Africa, following recent rollouts in Somalia, Lesotho, and Guinea-Bissau in April 2025.

The Cost of Connectivity

Despite its technological promise, affordability remains a barrier to widespread adoption in the DRC. The standard Starlink hardware kit is priced at $400, while monthly subscription plans start at $43. In a country where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, these figures may limit accessibility to more affluent households, businesses, or community-based internet hubs.

Still, analysts argue that Starlink’s presence could drive broader improvements in the market by pushing local operators to offer better services and competitive pricing.

From Ban to Blessing: Overcoming Regulatory Barriers

Starlink’s journey into the DRC has not been without obstacles. In March 2024, the ARPTC banned the service, citing national security concerns. Military authorities feared that Starlink’s technology could be misused by rebel groups such as the M23, which has been linked to escalating violence in the eastern part of the country.

The ban came with the threat of sanctions, and attempts to circumvent the restrictions—such as re-registering Starlink terminals in neighboring countries—were blocked by the company’s use of GPS tracking and satellite triangulation.

However, by May 2025, the ARPTC reversed its position after Starlink satisfied regulatory and administrative requirements. Though the specifics of the compliance measures have not been disclosed, experts believe they may have stemmed from wider diplomatic engagements, potentially linked to ongoing U.S.-DRC negotiations over a minerals-for-security agreement.

A New Era for Broadband in the DRC?

Christian Katende, President of the ARPTC, confirmed that Starlink had met all necessary requirements and would be “proceeding with the launch of its services in the coming days.” The development has been welcomed by many as a sign of progress and modernization, particularly in rural regions where internet access remains scarce or non-existent.

However, local internet service providers remain cautious. Starlink’s extensive satellite coverage and faster speeds pose a direct threat to traditional ISPs reliant on terrestrial networks. In response, some operators are pivoting toward niche services such as e-health platforms and digital supply chain solutions to stay competitive.

Starlink’s African Footprint

Starlink’s launch in the DRC adds to its rapidly growing footprint in Africa. The company is now live in 22 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, and Mozambique. Its expansion comes amid rising competition in the satellite broadband space, with Amazon’s Project Kuiper planning to deploy over 1,600 satellites by mid-2026, and Eutelsat’s OneWeb expanding its own partnerships across the continent.

Despite these challengers, Starlink retains a first-mover advantage and continues to engage governments across Africa. Talks with Ugandan officials, including President Yoweri Museveni, have underscored Starlink’s ambition to provide low-cost internet to even more underserved populations.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, regulatory constraints continue to hamper the company’s entry. Disputes over local ownership requirements and licensing from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) have stalled its launch, despite ongoing policy reviews.

Looking Ahead

Starlink’s entry into the DRC signals a broader transformation in how internet services are delivered across Africa. By bypassing traditional infrastructure hurdles, the company is helping usher in a new era of digital access—especially for those who have historically been left behind.

As more African governments embrace satellite-based solutions, the hope is that services like Starlink will not only bridge the digital divide but also unlock new economic, educational, and social opportunities for millions.