After obtaining their authorization in the DRC last May, local telecom operators are considering a strategic partnership with the American satellite broadband internet provider Starlink.

Telecom operators Africell and Vodacom, active in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are exploring a collaboration with Starlink, the global satellite internet provider, with a view to a partnership aimed at extending their networks across the entire territory.

Africell DRC’s managing director, Kory Webster, confirmed to the American media outlet Semafor that the company was in “active discussions” with Starlink regarding an operational partnership. A Vodacom executive, quoted by the same media outlet, indicated that the operator was also exploring satellite collaboration, presented as a complementary solution to strengthen coverage in rural and remote areas. No further details were provided.

Thanks to an agreement signed in May 2025 between Airtel Africa and SpaceX, Airtel is already partnered with Starlink in the DRC. The moves by Vodacom and Africell therefore appear to be a response to this competitive advantage.

According to experts, the Starlink network could be used to connect base transceiver stations (BTS) located in isolated areas to the core of operators’ telecom networks, where communications and data (voice, internet, etc.) transit. This solution represents a less expensive alternative, in terms of equipment and deployment, to the currently used VSAT technology. A partnership with Starlink would thus allow operators to strengthen their coverage while improving their commercial and financial performance.

Therefore, the partnership between Airtel Africa and SpaceX constitutes a strategic advantage for Airtel’s Congolese subsidiary in the race for the 15 million new mobile internet subscribers expected in the DRC between 2025 and 2030, according to projections by the GSMA (Global Association of Telecommunications Operators).

According to data from the Congolese Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC), at the end of 2024, the country had 32.94 million active mobile internet subscriptions (over 90 days). Airtel had 9.66 million customers, representing a 29.33% market share, behind Vodacom (37.78%) and Orange (29.97%), but ahead of Africell (2.92%). However, in terms of internet revenue, Airtel held first place with $365.5 million (representing a 37.7% market share), ahead of Orange (31.5%), Vodacom (27%), and Africell (3.8%).

Source: Agence Ecofin