Starlink, SpaceX’s low-earth orbit satellite internet service, is now officially live in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a major step forward for connectivity in one of Africa’s most infrastructure-challenged nations.
The commercial rollout follows Starlink’s regulatory approval earlier this year, signaling growing collaboration between SpaceX and African governments to close the connectivity gap. With its vast geography, difficult terrain, and historically limited fixed broadband infrastructure, the DRC stands to benefit significantly from a satellite-powered alternative that bypasses the need for traditional towers and fiber networks.
While Starlink continues to face regulatory hurdles in South Africa, its steady expansion across the rest of the continent is reshaping the connectivity landscape. The DRC now joins over 20 African countries where Starlink is available, giving new hope to underserved and remote populations.