• Move follows Airtel's May 2025 deal with SpaceX in DRC

• Starlink seen as cost-effective fix for rural connectivity gaps

Telecom operators Africell and Vodacom, active in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are exploring partnerships with Starlink, the global satellite internet provider, to expand their network coverage across the vast country.

Kory Webster, CEO of Africell DRC, confirmed to U.S. media outlet Semafor that the company is engaged in "active discussions" with Starlink regarding an operational partnership. A Vodacom executive, quoted by the same outlet, also indicated the operator is studying a satellite collaboration as a complementary solution to bolster coverage in remote and underserved areas. Neither company provided further details.

The move comes as a competitive response to Airtel Africa, which secured an agreement with SpaceX in May 2025, giving its Congolese subsidiary a head start in partnering with Starlink in the DRC.

Seeking a Competitive Edge in Remote Areas

Experts suggest Starlink's satellite network could be used to connect Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in isolated locations to the operators’ core networks, which carry voice and internet data. This solution represents a less expensive alternative in terms of equipment and deployment than the current VSAT technology. A Starlink partnership would allow operators to enhance coverage while improving commercial performance.

Airtel’s existing strategic advantage is critical in the race for new subscribers. The GSMA (the global association of telecom operators) projects the DRC will gain 15 million new mobile internet subscribers between 2025 and 2030.

According to data from the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) at the end of 2024, the DRC had 32.94 million active mobile internet subscriptions (over 90 days). Vodacom led the market share by subscribers with 37.78%, followed by Orange at 29.97%, Airtel at 29.33% (9.66 million clients), and Africell at 2.92%. However, in terms of internet revenue, Airtel led the market with $365.5 million, accounting for 37.7% of the share, ahead of Orange (31.5%), Vodacom (27%), and Africell (3.8%).

Ronsard Luabeya, Bankable