Elon Musk confirms availability of SpaceX's satellite system Starlink in Congo

SpaceX's satellite internet service Starlink is now functioning in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The service was banned initially from the country due to national security concerns, but the Congolese government reversed the ruling, as reported by Reuters. The government granted a license to Starlink on May 2, 2025, and became the latest African nation to approve the service. Only 30% of Congo's population has access to the internet as of 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

This low internet penetration highlights the country's technological challenges, which are worsened by the ongoing conflicts in the eastern regions that disrupt infrastructure development. The Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, in March 2024, banned the usage of Starlink and issued warnings for unauthorized use, per another Reuters report. The government was hesitant initially, as military forces believed that Starlink could be exploited by rebellious and armed groups such as the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Starlink expanded its reach to at least 18 countries in Africa, including Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans to continue its expansion.

Though previously dominated by providers like Airtel Congo and Orange RDC, Starlink's satellite internet began operations in many African nations. Moreover, the previous providers were inaccessible beyond the major cities due to the scale of Congo's geography, according to Techloy. This problem can be fixed by Starlink's satellite system, as it brings the internet to regions that traditional networks could not reach. Though Amazon's Project Kuiper is a big competitor, it is in its early stages of development, compared to Starlink's established footprint.

Despite such news of success, Starlink is known to have faced regulatory obstacles in some markets, such as South Africa, where it is still unavailable. Uganda is also a target, and President Yoweri Museveni announced that he had a “productive meeting” with company representatives about a potential expansion of the service, as per Business Insider Africa. 

In another latest development for SpaceX, the company's outpost Starbase in Texas has officially become a city. The government of Starbase will comprise a mayor and two commissioners, who will oversee planning, taxation, and other local issues. Previously known as Boca Chica, the town spanning around 1.6 square miles has now also become the headquarters of SpaceX; it was earlier located in Hawthorne, California.

Announcing the news on his social media platform X, Musk wrote excitedly: "Starbase, Texas is now a real city!" The city is effectively exclusive to SpaceX employees and people associated with the company. In a vote over the weekend, 212 residents of the almost 300 eligible to cast ballots agreed in favor of the new city. A majority of these voters were present or former SpaceX employees.

An official X account has also been created in the name of Starbase, and its first post emphasized how this initiative would help create the best community for the people "building the future of humanity’s place in space.”