SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced on Sunday that Starlink, the company’s satellite internet service, is now available in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The news comes after the Congolese government officially granted Starlink a license, reversing a ban that was put in place earlier this year.
In March 2024, Congo banned the use of Starlink, with military officials warning that the service could be misused by rebel groups, especially the M23, which has taken control of more territory in eastern Congo than ever before.
Congo has struggled with internet access for years. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only about 30% of the population had internet access in 2023.
With Starlink’s arrival, many hope that connectivity will improve, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas.
