Advanced Discussions Underway for Starlink’s Operating Authorization in the DRC Before September 2025

Washington, D.C. (USA) — On March 18, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, held a high-level meeting with representatives of Starlink, the satellite internet company founded by American billionaire Elon Musk. According to a press release from the ministry’s communications office, both parties “explored opportunities to expand connectivity” across the DRC.

This meeting marks a significant step forward following the March 2024 decision by the Congolese Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC), which had prohibited Starlink from operating within Congolese territory. The ARPTC had clearly stated that “any connection, sale, or use of Starlink equipment is considered a violation of existing laws and exposes offenders to sanctions.”

https://www.starlink.com/legal?regionCode=CD

Discussions focused on the potential deployment of Starlink’s satellite internet technology to improve access, particularly in rural areas where nearly 70% of the population remains unconnected. Minister Kibassa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national digital infrastructure and facilitating broadband internet access for schools, health centers, and remote communities.

Following the meeting, both sides agreed to initiate the necessary administrative procedures, including the drafting of a regulatory framework and the acquisition of operating licenses. In a March 15, 2024 statement, the ARPTC reiterated that “Starlink has not received any authorization or license to provide internet access or any other services within the DRC,” and added that the company’s equipment “has not yet been approved for use in the national territory.”

The legal process is currently underway, and according to internal sources, an agreement could be reached by June or July 2025. If finalized, this would enable the DRC to join regional neighbors such as Rwanda, Burundi, and Kenya, where Starlink is already operational. The introduction of Starlink is expected to provide affordable and accessible internet in the country’s most remote regions.

https://www.starlink.com/map

Advanced discussions for Starlink operating authorization in the DRC before September 2025 | KivuHub Tech

Author: Editor

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