Elon Musk announced that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is now available in Congo. The service aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved regions around the globe. The announcement follows the successful launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, which deployed additional Starlink satellites.
The launch took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida on February 26, 2025.
Starlink is about to exceed 80% of all active satellites, with rest of world, including rest of US, <20%
— gorklon rust (@elonmusk) May 4, 2025
With Starlink operational in Congo, residents in the region can now access the internet at speeds comparable to those available in more developed areas. This development is expected to significantly impact communication and economic activities in the region.
In a statement, ” Connecting to isolated and underserved areas is a key goal for Starlink,” said Musk. We are excited to bring our service to Congo and look forward to expanding our global coverage.
Even in the most remote places on the planet Starlink is connecting and saving lives.
pic.twitter.com/woC6iKGSC8— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) May 4, 2025
Starlink has been rapidly expanding its reach, and Congo is among the latest to benefit from this space-based internet service. This expansion is part of a broader mission to bridge the digital divide by bringing high-speed internet to all corners of the globe.
As of 2023, only about 30% of the Congolese population had internet access, facing significant connectivity challenges. Initial resistance from the Congolese government was related to concerns about exploitation by rebel groups.
Starlink begins operations in Congo
Military officials particularly feared that the service could be used by rebel forces, including the Rwandan-backed M23, which has expanded its control in eastern Congo this year. Despite these concerns, the approval of Starlink is a step towards improving internet access in the country. Starlink is expected to begin operations soon, helping to alleviate some of the connectivity issues that have plagued the nation.
Starlink’s expansion in Africa continues to gain momentum. Since its launch in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, in January 2023, the satellite internet provider has extended its services to at least 18 African nations. In the first four months of 2025 alone, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Somalia, Niger, and Liberia have all granted licenses to Starlink.
Starlink is also looking to expand into neighboring Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni recently met with company representatives. However, the service has faced regulatory hurdles in parts of the continent and is still unavailable in South Africa, Africa’s most industrialized nation. President Museveni expressed his appreciation for Starlink’s commitment to improving connectivity during the meeting.
He also welcomed the company’s plans to establish a presence in Uganda, highlighting the government’s support for initiatives to boost digital inclusion nationwide. The introduction of Starlink in Congo and the potential expansion into Uganda mark essential developments in the countries‘ efforts to improve digital infrastructure and expand internet access to citizens.
Image Credits: Photo by ANIRUDH on Unsplash
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
