Starlink Lands In Congo As Government Lifts Ban. Here's What Elon Musk Said
Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has officially gone live in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the billionaire announced on Sunday via a post on X. The announcement comes shortly after the Congolese government reversed an earlier ban on the service, signalling a shift in its stance toward satellite connectivity amid mounting security concerns.
From Ban to Green Light: Congo Clears Starlink for Launch
Just months ago, Starlink was off-limits in the DRC. Back in March 2024, Congolese authorities imposed a ban on the service, citing national security threats. Military officials warned that the technology could potentially be exploited by armed rebel groups, including the Rwandan-backed M23, which has been increasingly active in the eastern part of the country.
But on Friday, the Congolese government announced that it had granted Starlink a license to operate in the country, making it the latest African nation to embrace the satellite provider’s services. Musk’s confirmation came soon after, with a simple post that read: "Starlink is now available in Congo."
Internet for the Unconnected
The DRC suffers from one of the lowest internet penetration rates globally. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only about 30% of the population had internet access in 2023. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite technology offers a potential solution to this connectivity crisis by delivering high-speed internet even in remote and conflict-ridden areas.
The move is part of Starlink’s larger push across the African continent, where it is already operational in over a dozen countries. The technology holds particular promise for regions with poor infrastructure or inaccessibility due to conflict or terrain.
India Still Waiting on Starlink Rollout
Meanwhile, in India, anticipation continues to build. SpaceX has been in discussions with major telecom players like Airtel and Jio to bring Starlink to one of the world’s largest digital markets. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently met with top Starlink executives, including Vice President Chad Gibbs and Senior Director Ryan Goodnight, to map out an investment strategy. Discussions reportedly covered satellite technology, existing partnerships, and the broader expansion roadmap.
Despite the momentum, there is still no official launch date for Starlink in India. Licensing hurdles and government approvals appear to be holding things up. Once cleared, Starlink is expected to debut in rural and underserved areas, possibly through partnerships that could make hardware available in local telecom stores.
Starlink, which is already active in over 125 countries with more than 5 million users, currently charges $110 per month (about Rs 9,000), with setup fees north of Rs 50,000. However, in India’s price-sensitive market, analysts predict that pricing could be significantly lower — potentially between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,500 per month — with cost-sharing arrangements for the hardware.
While Congo enjoys its first taste of Starlink’s services, India’s digital future waits in the wings — pending regulatory clearance and a green signal from the government.
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