Starlink Cleared to Launch in DRC as Government Pushes for Nationwide Internet Access

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially granted Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, an operating license to provide internet services in the country. The announcement came after Starlink successfully completed the necessary administrative procedures, according to a statement from the Congo Telecommunications Regulation Authority (ARPTC).

“Starlink is now authorized to operate in the DRC as an internet service provider, following the completion of its administrative requirements,” the ARPTC stated. The regulator confirmed that the company is set to begin its services in the country within the coming days.

The license comes as part of a broader initiative by the Congolese government to expand digital connectivity across the nation, particularly in underserved rural and remote regions. The Ministry of Telecommunications emphasized the critical role providers like Starlink will play in closing the digital divide by delivering fast and reliable satellite internet to areas traditionally left out of conventional broadband networks.

“The government’s goal is to ensure every citizen, regardless of location, can access the digital economy,” an official from the Telecommunications Minister’s office said. “This partnership with Starlink is a step forward in bringing internet to schools, health centers, and community facilities in the most remote parts of the DRC.”

With over 100 million people and vast stretches of hard-to-reach terrain, the DRC presents both a challenge and an opportunity for next-generation internet providers. Starlink’s low-orbit satellite technology is particularly suited to countries with limited telecommunications infrastructure, enabling high-speed internet without relying on extensive ground installations.

Starlink’s entry into the DRC marks a significant moment in the region’s digital transformation journey, aligning with continental efforts to boost ICT development and bridge the digital gap.

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