Starlink launches paid broadband service across the Democratic Republic of Congo

Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by SpaceX, has officially opened its network to customers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after receiving a national operating licence earlier this year. The company posted its first price list on its website, outlining separate plans for residential users and businesses, and announced that the service can now be ordered online for delivery within two weeks.

The residential “Résidentiel” package costs 144,000 Congolese francs per month (about 51 US dollars) and promises unlimited data with download speeds ranging from 100 to 250 megabits per second and latency of 25‑50 milliseconds. A second residential option, labelled “Itinérance – 50 Go”, is priced identically but includes a 50‑gigabyte roaming allowance that can be used while travelling within the DRC or abroad; excess data would be billed separately. Both plans require a fixed antenna to be installed at a specific address, and customers must present a government‑issued ID to activate the service. Subscriptions are month‑to‑month with a 30‑day refund window and no long‑term contract.

For corporate clients, Starlink offers two tiers. The “Prioritaire Local” plan starts at 90,000 francs per month (roughly 32 US dollars) for 50 gigabytes of data, with larger bundles available up to two terabytes for 755,000 francs (about 270 US dollars). If the data cap is exceeded, users can purchase additional blocks, the smallest being 50 gigabytes for 35,000 francs. A “Prioritaire Mondial” package, aimed at multinational firms and organisations with global mobility needs, begins at 917,000 francs per month (approximately 328 US dollars) for the same 50‑gigabyte allowance, with higher‑volume options reaching two terabytes for 7.89 million francs. As with the local tier, extra data can be bought in increments, and once the quota is exhausted the connection throttles to 1 megabit down and 0.5 megabit up.

To use the service, customers must acquire a Starlink kit. The “Mini” kit, priced at 575,000 francs (about 205 US dollars), is marketed to short‑term missions, NGOs and adventurers and delivers speeds up to 100 megabits per second. The “Standard” kit costs 1,130,000 francs (roughly 404 US dollars) and is intended for homes, small‑to‑medium enterprises and fixed sites, offering the higher 220‑250 megabit per second range. Optional accessories such as roof‑mount pivots, wall mounts and pipe adapters are also listed, with prices between 96,000 and 192,000 francs. The hardware draws 40‑60 watts, so users in areas with unreliable electricity are advised to secure backup power.

Starlink’s entry into the DRC follows a partnership announced in May 2025 with Airtel Africa, which is expected to handle distribution of the kits across the continent. However, as of early June, Airtel has not yet opened physical retail points in the country, and no local storefronts have been confirmed. Prospective subscribers must therefore place orders directly through Starlink’s online portal, after which the company estimates a two‑week delivery window subject to local stock availability.

The rollout arrives at a time when the DRC’s eastern provinces continue to grapple with armed conflict, displacement and fragile humanitarian conditions. Rebel groups, inter‑ethnic militias and foreign forces have been active in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri for more than a decade, disrupting transport corridors and limiting access to basic services. Limited connectivity has hampered coordination among aid agencies, impeded early warning systems for disease outbreaks, and constrained economic opportunities for residents living in remote, conflict‑affected zones.

By providing high‑speed internet that does not rely on terrestrial infrastructure, Starlink could help bridge the digital divide in these hard‑to‑reach areas. Humanitarian organisations have previously used satellite links to support field communications, telemedicine and education programmes. The availability of a commercial broadband service may also enable local businesses to engage in e‑commerce, improve market information flows, and attract investment in sectors such as mining and agriculture, which are central to the DRC’s economy.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. The cost of the residential plan, while modest by global standards, represents a significant expense for many Congolese households, where average monthly incomes are low. Moreover, the need for a clear line of sight to the sky and reliable electricity could limit uptake in rural villages that lack stable power supplies. The absence of a local customer‑service centre and the reliance on English‑language support may also deter potential users who are not comfortable with the language.

Starlink’s entry into the DRC marks a notable step toward expanding digital connectivity in a nation where internet penetration has historically lagged behind regional peers. If the service can overcome logistical and affordability hurdles, it may become a valuable tool for both development actors and private users, contributing to greater resilience in a country still coping with protracted conflict and humanitarian crises.