The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the latest African country to grant a license to tech tycoon Elon Musk’s Starlink, with operations likely to begin shortly.

According to Reuters, the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) granted Starlink the license after previously opposing the use of the satellite internet service in March 2024, warning citizens that it could be used by rebel groups such as Rwandan-backed M23, which has seized more territory than ever before in the country’s east this year.

The DRC joins 23 other African countries to use the Low Earth Orbit satellite service.

In addition, Starlink is considering entering the Ugandan market, with President Yoweri Museveni stating that he has had a productive discussion with company executives.

In DRC, ARPTC said in a statement: “Starlink is now authorised to operate in Democratic Republic of Congo as an access provider to internet, following the regularisation of its administrative situation.”

Source: IT Web