{
  "id": 1592490,
  "title": "Airtel eyes wider satellite rollout after Congo debut",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/airtel-eyes-wider-satellite-rollout-after-congo-debut",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-18T00:00:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/airtel-eyes-wider-satellite-rollout-after-congo-debut/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Airtel Africa is set to expand its satellite-to-mobile connectivity services to additional African markets following its successful deployment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The telecom operator has launched Starlink Mobile in the DRC, marking the first commercial use of this direct-to-mobile technology in the country and across the African continent. Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar stated that the experience gained from the DRC deployment will help extend connectivity to other markets, contingent on regulatory approvals. The move adds a satellite layer to Airtel's ongoing network expansion strategy, which includes over 3,250 sites and 3,200 kilometers of fiber installed in the year ending March 2026, bringing the network to 40,378 sites and approximately 81,882 kilometers of fiber. With 183.5 million customers, including 84.2 million data users, and serving a population of about 679 million people, Airtel Africa has a vast potential customer base for satellite-enabled connectivity. The partnership with SpaceX, announced in December 2025, aims to enable customers with compatible smartphones to connect in areas where Airtel's terrestrial network is unavailable. The technology is intended to complement, not replace, existing mobile infrastructure, especially in Africa where universal terrestrial coverage is difficult due to large rural populations, challenging terrain, and the high cost of tower and fiber deployment. Airtel's service in the DRC allows LTE Android smartphone users to connect without a Starlink dish, supporting basic connectivity for SMS, data applications, and messaging services. However, it is not a substitute for conventional 4G or 5G mobile broadband. The service targets remote areas, including those used by farmers, miners, transport operators, health workers, and humanitarian organizations, and could provide a backup communication channel during natural disasters or network disruptions.",
  "summary": "Airtel Africa launches Starlink Mobile in DRC, planning wider satellite-to-mobile rollout across the continent to boost connectivity in remote areas. Read More: https://punchng.com/airtel-eyes-wider-satellite-rollout-after-congo-debut/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Airtel eyes wider satellite rollout after Congo debut",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/airtel-eyes-wider-satellite-rollout-after-congo-debut",
        "published": "2026-08-17T23:46:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}