SpaceX’s Starlink is now officially approved and will soon be going live in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a policy reversal by the Congolese government. The announcement was made by Musk himself in a brief post on X, stating, “Starlink is now available in Congo.”
This development comes after the DRC’s Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority granted Starlink an operating license late last week, making it the latest African nation to welcome the satellite internet provider. The move marks a significant shift from just over a year ago, when the government banned Starlink, citing security concerns that it could be exploited by rebel groups.
A Turnaround for Connectivity in Conflict Zones
The DRC, plagued by conflict and poor infrastructure, has one of the lowest internet penetration rates globally. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only about 30% of the country’s population had access to the internet as of 2023. With large swaths of the eastern region affected by armed conflict and difficult terrain, traditional internet service expansion has proven nearly impossible.
Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite network is designed to provide high-speed broadband to underserved and remote areas. Its arrival in Congo offers a new hope for improved communication and access to digital services, even in war-torn areas.
While Musk said Starlink is now available, the company’s website shows the service has yet to officially launch, but will do so this month.
From Ban to Approval: Government Reverses Course
In March 2024, Congolese military officials banned Starlink, warning that rebel factions could misuse the encrypted satellite communications to evade detection. The service was declared illegal, and users faced threats of sanctions. However, following months of backchannel discussions and increasing regional demand for improved connectivity, the government quietly shifted its stance.
On Friday, the DRC confirmed that Starlink had received full authorization to operate, stating that service would begin “in the coming days.” Musk’s announcement followed shortly after, signaling the company’s readiness to deploy infrastructure immediately.
Rapid Expansion Across Africa
Starlink has been accelerating its rollout across Africa in recent months, with the service recently getting approvals or launching in Lesotho and Somalia. With more than 20 African nations now online or in the pipeline, the company is well on its way to establishing itself as a dominant connectivity provider across the continent.
