The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday issued an operating licence to Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink.
This decision reversed a previous ban imposed in March 2024, when Congolese authorities declared Starlink usage illegal due to concerns that rebel groups, particularly the Rwandan-backed M23 insurgents active in eastern Congo, could misuse the service.
The Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) verified the licence and said Starlink would launch “in the coming days”.
The initial ban reflected security fears amid ongoing conflict in the region. Military officials worried that Starlink’s satellite internet could be exploited by armed groups to coordinate activities, complicating efforts to stabilise the area.
However, after further discussions and regulatory compliance by Starlink, the government reversed its stance, recognising the potential benefits of improved connectivity.
Starlink’s role in expanding Internet access in Congo
According to the International Telecommunication Union, Internet penetration in the DRC remains low, with only about 30 per cent of the population having access as of 2023.
Major challenges in digital infrastructure confront the nation, particularly in remote and conflict-affected regions. Starlink’s satellite technology, based on a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites, ensures consistently reliable internet coverage in regions that lack conventional infrastructure.
Starlink’s entry into Congo is part of a broader expansion across Africa, where it has secured licenses in more than 20 countries, including Nigeria, Lesotho, Somalia, and Guinea-Bissau. The company’s quick expansion reflects its ambition to connect the continent.
President Yoweri Museveni claimed constructive conversations with Starlink personnel, suggesting regional growth.
ARPTC President Christian Katende highlighted the importance of Starlink’s launch, noting that the service could “play a transformative role in bridging the digital divide” in Congo.
The satellite internet provider will bring underserved populations new education, business, and communication opportunities.
Elon Musk confirmed on May 4, 2025, via a post on X that Starlink is now available in Congo, marking a milestone in the company’s African rollout. This development offers hope for improved connectivity in a country long challenged by conflict and limited access to the internet.
