Africell DRC’s managing director, Kory Webster, confirmed to the American media outlet Semafor that the company was engaged in “active discussions” with Starlink regarding a potential operational partnership. Similarly, a Vodacom executive indicated that the company was exploring satellite-based solutions as a complementary means to enhance coverage, particularly in rural and remote regions. However, no specific details about the negotiations were disclosed.
This move follows a May 2025 agreement between Airtel Africa and SpaceX, which established a partnership between Airtel and Starlink in the DRC. The initiatives by Vodacom and Africell seem to be strategic responses to Airtel’s early advantage in leveraging satellite technology to improve network coverage.
Experts suggest that Starlink’s network could be instrumental in linking base transceiver stations (BTS) situated in isolated areas to the core telecom infrastructure, facilitating communication and data transfer such as voice and internet services. This satellite-based solution offers a less costly alternative to the traditional Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology, both in terms of equipment and deployment. A partnership with Starlink could enable operators to expand coverage more efficiently while also enhancing their commercial and financial performance.
Airtel’s collaboration with SpaceX has provided a significant strategic edge in the competitive race to attract the estimated 15 million new mobile internet users projected in the DRC between 2025 and 2030, according to the GSMA. As of the end of 2024, the country had approximately 32.94 million active mobile internet subscriptions, with Airtel serving about 9.66 million users, holding a 29.33% market share. Vodacom led with 37.78%, followed by Orange with 29.97%, and Africell with 2.92%. Despite this, Airtel dominated in internet revenue, generating $365.5 million, representing a 37.7% market share, ahead of Orange, Vodacom, and Africell.
